Austrian percussionist and composer Bernhard Schimpelsberger – ‘one of the most technically gifted and tasteful players we have seen in a long time’ (Drummer Magazine UK) – performs on a uniquely multi-layered and melodious drumkit. He creates ‘percussive soundscapes’ (Süddeutsche Zeitung) with a fascinating ‘interweaving of colours and elements, of virtuosity and surprising twists’ (Augsburger Allgemeine).
Schimpelsberger, who studied the complex rhythmic system of Indian classical music under master drummers Suresh Talwalkar and Trilok Gurtu, is in high demand across many genres. Collaborations with stars of Indian music including Anoushka Shankar (sitar), Akram Khan (dance) and Nitin Sawhney (film composition) have helped him to develop a drumming style ‘true to that of a tabla virtuoso’ (Confluence Magazine). International collaborations with Spanish flamenco dancer Israel Galvan, Palestinian oud virtuoso Adnan Joubran, the Cuban Rumba group Osain der Monte and South African cellist Abel Selaocoe have taken him around the world and enlarged his musical palette. His audio-visual music project Rhythm Diaries, documenting his collaborations and studies in Cuba, Brazil, India, South Africa and all across Europe, has been critically acclaimed and received numerous awards around the world.
Schimpelsberger’s original compositions have been performed at Beethovenfest Bonn and Rowing World Cup Championships Ottensheim/Linz, and by the Britten Sinfonia Orchestra and Malta’s National Dance Company.