Hailed as “One of the most innovative and exciting percussion ensembles to emerge in the golden age of chamber music” (Jonathan Haas, NYU) for its immersive sound world, New York City-based Excelsis Percussion Quartet is Marcelina Suchocka (Poland), Aya Kaminaguchi (Japan), Britton-René Collins (United States), and Mariana Ramirez (Mexico). This international group of women with a multilingual combination of five languages join to speak the universal language of rhythm, rooted in their belief that music possesses an ability to unite us all.

Excelsis brings vibrancy into the percussion community through eclectic programming, innovative storytelling, and embracing intersectional identities. Excelsis’ breadth of repertoire spans from classical to avant-garde. With the presence of exciting arrangements, including Björk and other pop music covers, Excelsis advocates for multi-genre representation with regard to programming, charming audiences with contrasting and uniquely innovative concert experiences.

Excelsis made its debut at the PAS NYC Weekend of Percussion, playing with Lisa Pegher. Described as a “Fiery new percussion quartet on the rise,” Excelsis has twice been featured on NPR’s From the Top with Christopher O’Riley, and has made several guest ensemble appearances, including at the Zeltsman Marimba Festival. Notable projects include Excelsis’ inaugural program featuring women composers, which was premiered in Sō Percussion’s concert series, Brooklyn Bound, and participation in the Tippet Rise Music Festival in Montana, performing John Luther Adams’ outdoor percussion piece, Inuksuit, alongside Doug Perkins and members of the Montana Symphony. In addition to its active performance schedule, Excelsis delivers masterclasses and educational workshops, with recent engagements at the State University of New York, Potsdam, and Virginia Arts Festival. Excelsis is a 2024 winner of the Chamber Music America Artistic Projects Grant, which will support the group’s Rooted in Rhythm project – a performance-based residency initiative, centered on the environmental justice movement, with storytelling through the lens of multicultural women.

Excelsis proudly endorses Sabian Cymbals.