Josep Colom Concerts

Experience Josep Colom

Josep Colom (born 1947, Barcelona) is a highly respected Catalan percussionist and composer, central to the development of contemporary music in Spain. Initially trained classically on piano and percussion, Colom quickly gravitated towards experimental and avant-garde approaches. He co-founded the influential group Música Vertical in 1968, pioneering live electronic music performance and incorporating visual elements.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Colom extensively explored the possibilities of prepared piano – altering its sound through the placement of objects on or between strings – becoming internationally recognized for this technique. His compositions often feature extended techniques, microtonality, and a focus on timbre. He’s collaborated with prominent figures like Laurie Anderson, Steve Reich (performing *Drumming* under Reich’s direction), and Frederic Rzewski.

Colom has received numerous awards including the National Music Prize of Catalonia (Premi Nacional de Música) in 2006 for his contributions to contemporary creation. He continues to perform and compose, maintaining a significant presence as a teacher at the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu in Barcelona.