About Heartland Marimba
Heartland Marimba began in 2014 through the vision and leadership of solo artist Matthew Coley. Coley (founding executive/co-artistic director) works closely with Jenni Brandon (co-artistic director), Joe Millea (operations director), Ujjal Bhattacharyya (productions director), and other company artists to support and celebrate the classical marimba art form. Their steady commitment benefits performers, students, communities, and composers annually. Through a multifaceted business plan, HM averages 50 events a season. The organization has two professional performing groups, the Quartet and the Ensemble. In addition, HM has a Publications branch with more than 75 titles released and hosts other events and festivals for performers, students, and composers each season.
HMQ has appeared in over 160 concerts across the country since its creation in 2016. The four distinctly creative forces of Ujjal Bhattacharyya, Matthew Coley, Marco Schirripa, and Hannah Weaver combine to form a virtuosic and electrifying group. HMQ has soloed with the Dubuque Symphony, Minot Symphony, and International Marimba Orchestras; the University of Puget Sound and University of Nebraska-Omaha Wind Ensembles; and the University of Arizona and Millikin University Percussion Ensembles. Through assistance from New Music USA and other members of the New Quartets Project Consortium, HMQ has commissioned seven new quartets by women composers.
The dynamic artists of the Heartland Marimba Ensemble include Eri Isomura, Nathaniel Holman, Sophia Lo, Jordan Nielsen, Ryan Pearson, Matt Silverberg, and Ethan Strickland. In addition to premiering works from HM’s Composer LabFest, HME performs a selection of diverse classical repertoire spanning many styles and genres. This group has been a training entity for several emerging artists since its inception in 2015. In a new phase of HM’s evolution, HME has become an established professional group within the organization with the members primarily located in the Midwest.
To catch an HM event and learn more please visit www.HeartlandMarimba.com.
