Third Coast Percussion Presents Eclectic Program with Nova Linea Musica

The acclaimed percussion quartet performs new works and classics at the Merit School of Music

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:15am

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Nova Linea Musica presented an hour-long concert by Third Coast Percussion at the Merit School of Music on Wednesday. The program featured a mix of new commissions and classic percussion works, showcasing the quartet's virtuosity and innovative approach to their instruments.

Why it matters

Third Coast Percussion is known for commissioning new music from Chicago-based composers and bringing a fresh perspective to the percussion repertoire. This concert highlights their commitment to expanding the boundaries of their art form and providing inspiring experiences for both seasoned concertgoers and the next generation of performers.

The details

The concert included the world premiere of "and this too shall pass" by composer JaRon Brown, which was written to honor Brown's great-uncle's journey with dementia. The piece featured the four members of Third Coast Percussion playing on a single marimba, with one member having to play upside down. Other highlights included Jessie Montgomery's "Study No. 1," which incorporated a flexible tube attached to the tom-tom drums to create unique tonal effects, and Steve Reich's "Music for Pieces of Wood," a virtuosic display of rhythm and tone.

  • The concert took place on Wednesday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Third Coast Percussion

A quartet of percussionists - Sean Connors, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin, and David Skidmore - who have been playing together for 26 years.

Nova Linea Musica

A Chicago-based organization that commissions new works from local musicians and presents concerts in acoustically-perfect venues.

JaRon Brown

A composer whose new work "and this too shall pass" was premiered at the concert, honoring his great-uncle's experience with dementia.

Jessie Montgomery

A composer whose piece "Study No. 1" was performed, incorporating unique tonal effects on the tom-tom drums.

Steve Reich

A renowned composer whose work "Music for Pieces of Wood" was performed, showcasing the virtuosity of Third Coast Percussion.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This concert demonstrated Third Coast Percussion's commitment to expanding the boundaries of percussion music, both through new commissions and their innovative interpretations of classic works. Their collaboration with Nova Linea Musica highlights the vibrant new music scene in Chicago and the city's role as a hub for creative and boundary-pushing performances.