Unique in its kind, the percussion ensemble OPERcussion brings the art of percussion music from
the depths of the orchestra pit to the stage front row, realizing a new model of artistic creation while
respecting history and embracing innovation.
If we study the history of our Bavarian State Opera, we learn that the first timpanist under contract
started back in 1600, in what was then the court orchestra. In more than 400 years of musical tradi-
tion, the greatest composers and conductors in history have influenced the members of this tradi-
tional orchestra and encouraged their chamber music activities. The members of the percussion
section have not escaped this call and have been organized in the formation OPERcussion since
2008. Thomas März, Pieter Roijen, Maxime Pidoux, Carlos Vera Larrucea and Claudio Estay bring
their virtuosity, their knowledge, the traditions of their countries of origin and their peculiarities to
the ensemble. This international ensemble has distinguished itself in the percussion world and the
music scene in general for the innovation and diversity of its programs, which include collaboration
and commissions with contemporary composers, as well as arrangements of music not originally
written for percussion from the Baroque, Classic and Impressionism eras, to the interpretation of
Latin American music with grandiose improvisation ideas.
- Members:
Pieter Roijen
Pieter grew up in the Netherlands and was then first a solo timpanist in Het Gelder Orkest (unfortunately no longer there). From 2007 to 2022 he was assistant solo timpanist and percussionist with the Bavarian State Orchestra, since February 2022 he has been solo timpanist (coord.) there. His favorite instrument is the triangle :) Pieter currently has four little hobbies that keep him busy - they are 13, 11, 9 and 4 years old.
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Claudio Estay
Claudio grew up in Santiago de Chile and if his parents had had their way he would be an architect today - but his love for music was stronger. Claudio was initially employed as a solo timpanist with the Hofer Symphoniker for six years before becoming a percussionist with the Bavarian State Orchestra in 2013. He likes drums more than mallets, but of course loves all percussion instruments.
Carlos Vera Larrucea
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Carlos grew up in Santiago de Chile. He was first deputy solo timpanist at the Teatro Municipal de Santiago (National Opera in Chile) before joining the Bavarian State Opera in 2015. Carlos loves the vibraphone, also plays a little guitar and learned to play the recorder as a child.
Maxime Pidoux
Maxime grew up in Paris in a family of musicians. After two years of piano lessons, he finally decided to play the drums. He was with the Bavarian State Orchestra from 2016 to 2022 and is now solo timpanist at La Scala in Milan. He describes everything that has a skin and sounds good as his favorite instrument.
Maxime Pidoux
Maxime grew up in Paris in a family of musicians. After two years of piano lessons, he finally decided to play the drums. He was with the Bavarian State Orchestra from 2016 to 2022 and is now solo timpanist at La Scala in Milan. He describes everything that has a skin and sounds good as his favorite instrument.
