Return to Faculty List

Faculty


Frank Cassara, Adjunct Professor of Percussion

Frank Cassara

Adjunct Professor of Percussion and World MusicDirector, Percussion Ensemble

B.M., M.M., Manhattan School of Music

Description

A proponent of new and classic, western and world percussion music, FRANK CASSARA has premiered countless works with as many diverse groups. As percussionist for the Philip Glass Ensemble, he has performed around the globe as well as recording Glass' music and film scores, most recently his work "Icarus". He has also performed internationally as a member of Steve Reich and Musicians and can be heard on his newest CD "WTC/911". Mr. Cassara took part in the monumental concert of Glass and Reich performing together at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, performing with both groups. As a member of the New Music Consort/PULSE Percussion Ensemble he has appeared at major festivals here and abroad, as well as premiering and recording new percussion ensemble works. He has toured extensively with Newband/Harry Partch Ensemble, performing and recording on Partch's original microtonal instruments and Dean Drummond's Zoomoozophone. He is also a member of Music from China, performing for their 30th anniversary at Carnegie Hall and the Freer Gallery in Washington DC. He has performed or recorded with groups as, Manhattan Marimba Quartet, Talujon Percussion Quartet, North/South Consonance, Ethos Percussion Group and Percussia. Principal percussionist of the Riverside Symphony, he has been principal of the Connecticut Grand Opera and a member of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. He has also performed with many area orchestras such as the Brooklyn Philharmonic, American Composers Orchestra, and the Long Island Philharmonic. Frank Cassara has played for Broadway shows "On the Town", "Lion King", "42nd Street" and "Phantom of the Opera" among others, and can be heard on over 25 recordings and film scores, including his own newest release for jazz quartet titled "Apparition". He heads the percussion departments at LIU Ppst, Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, and Vassar College, and is an avid African gyil (Balifon) player. Frank Cassara is an Innovative Percussion Artist. More information can be found on his website www.frankcassara.com.