CaDance for Two is a joint chamber project by percussionists Alexej Gerassimez and Emil Kuyumchiyan, who will take part in the 65th International Festival “March Music Days” 2026. The two musicians, both visiting Bulgarian scene for the first time, hold to a wide repertoire of contemporary, classical, and crossover rhythms, without adhering to the conventions of standard chamber performance.

Alexej Gerassimez is a master percussionist—one of the most exciting and versatile musicians of his generation. Born in 1987 in Essen, he began playing percussion at an early age and quickly established himself as a unique artist not only in classical but also in contemporary music, with a strong interest in jazz, minimalist, and original projects. An artist who quite literally merges with the music through his body, he possesses an extraordinary sense for original and innovative ideas, combined with virtuosic performance.

Emil Kuyumchiyan is a young and inspiring musician and composer.Born in Istanbul, with Croatian, Greek, and even African roots, Emil blends in his music the energy of contemporary classical music, jazz, and Anatolian rhythms. A first-prize winner at the prestigious Tromp International Percussion Competition and the Stockholm International Music Competition, he is among the rising names on the international percussion scene.

Programme: 

Alexej Gerassimez – Stonewave

Alexej Gerassimez – Soul of Bottle

Gerassimez/Kuyumcuyan – Afreim

Emil Kuyumcuyan – Youth

Steve Reich – Nagoya Marimba

Anders Koppel – Toccata

Andy Pape: CaDance

***Photos: Alexej Gerassimez - Nikolaj Lund
*** Photos: Emil Kuyumcuyan - Venera Red