Third Coast Percussion & Salar Nader, tabla
Third Coast Percussion
Salar Nader, tabla
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Grammy-winning percussion quartet Third Coast Percussion opens the evening with vibrant works by electronic composer Jlin, violinist Jessie Montgomery, and jazz composer Tigran Hamasyan. Praised by The New York Times for their “commandingly elegant” performances, the ensemble brings precision and imagination to every piece. Tabla virtuoso Salar Nader follows with a solo set and a moving video tribute to his mentor, the legendary Zakir Hussain—a longtime Washington Performing Arts artistic collaborator who recently passed away. The program culminates in Murmurs in Time, the regional premiere of Hussain’s only work composed for classical percussion ensemble, co-commissioned by Washington Performing Arts and recorded with Third Coast Percussion in 2024. The piece features Nader and Third Coast in a stirring collaboration that celebrates rhythmic innovation and deep artistic legacy. The New York Times described the work as “a brilliant and moving performance (in) tribute to Hussain and the humanistic values at the heart of his art.”
Linger Longer: Post-Concert Discussion
Following the performance, join us for a brief post-concert conversation with the artist. Event is free and available to all performance ticket holders. No registration required.
Program Details
Jlin (b. 1987) – Please Be Still
Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981) – Lady Justice /Black Justice , The Song (2024)
Tigran Hamasyan (b. 1987) – Sonata for Percussion (2024)
1. Memories from Childhood
2. Hymn
3. 23 for TCP
Tabla solo in honor of Ustad Zakir Hussain, performed by Salar Nader
Zakir Hussain (1951-2024) – Murmurs in Time (2024)
1. Recitation
2. (Untitled)
Our Partners
This performance is made possible in part by the generous support of Lisa and Gordon Rush.
Special thanks to the following lead supporters of Washington Performing Arts’s mission-driven work: Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated; D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities; the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and Events DC.

Become A Friend
Your support funds the wide-ranging artistic work that inspires, educates, and connects us.