The Next Step

The ambitious percussionists from The Next Step have been livening up the music scene for more than fifteen years now and work a variety of different stages with equal professionalism. The field of percussion has seen great advances over the past decade and the scene has become increasingly diverse and interesting. The Next Step has, and continues to, put a great deal into this development and has breathed new life into the European scene. Variety and an open mind for new styles, combined with a commitment to quality, contribute towards the success of the ensemble, whose repertoire features some of the most important works of the 20th century. The Next Step is particularly committed to performing contemporary works and has gained a lot from playing with internationally renowned musicians, as well as working closely with eminent composers. The Next Step seeks challenge and confrontation with new ideas, meaning taking up more and more tours abroad. Klangspuren Schwaz, Transart Festival Bozen, Donaufestwochen Amstetten, TIPC Taiwan, Mahler Festwochen Toblach, Percussionfestival Telfs, Jeunesse Austria. with musicians and composers such as Helmut Lachenmann, György Kurtag, G.F.Haas, Christoph Zech, DJ Spooky, Jarrod Cagwin, Terje Rypdal, Christian Lindberg, Wolfgang Mitterer, Latvian Radio Choir, Nyyd Ensemble, Ensemble Modern, Kroumata, Tambuco, Nik Bärtsch, Manuela Kerer, Hermann Delago, Manu Delago, Gunter Schneider, Christoph Dienz. Winner of the ORF (Austrian broadcasting corporation) „Artist of the Year 2007“ prize awarded on the occasion of 40 years of Ö1 radio. Franz Köhle Charly Mair Christian Norz Franz Köhle www.thenextstep.at