Percussionist Christopher Graham. Iktus Combo combined contemporary and classical sounds.
The Lion's Roar/Kelli Meynard

Iktus Combo is an ensemble of saxophone, electric guitar, piano and percussion. The combo, consisting of percussionist Christopher Graham,  pianist Andrea Lodge, saxophonist Erin Rogers and guitarist Jay Sorce gathered at the university all the way from New York to perform contemporary, new music for students. Iktus Combo is an offshoot of the original group, IKTUS Percussion. Graham is an original member of IKTUS, and it has since expanded into a collection of musicians.

Last Tuesday on Feb. 16, Iktus Combo performed in Pottle Auditorium. The concert consisted of five songs: “Hout” by Louis Andriessen, “Liminal Bridges” by Philip Schuessler, “Music Box” by Kari Besharse, “Color Fields” by Mikel Kuehn and “Localized Corrosion” by Philippe Hurel.

“We were graciously invited by music faculty Philip Schuessler and Kari Besharse who also composed pieces for us for this event,” said Lodge. “They also invited us to play on their concert series in New Orleans called Versipel.”

Iktus’s style of music can be compared to Avant Garde classical music.

“This style of music is highly demanding, rhythmically complex and meticulously composed,” said Lodge. “We feel that it’s important to present this rarely performed new music to students at universities around the country in hopes that they’ll get excited about the music we do. We need to foster a greater appreciation for the music of our time by living composers.”

This music can be seen as an inspiration to students to try new things while song writing and performing.

“We want students to see this as an invitation to explore new sounds, textures and possibilities,” said Rogers.

This style is different than what most people are used to. Freshman family and consumer sciences major Taylor Teal not only found it to be unique, but interesting as well.

“It’s definitely a different sound of music and it is just interesting to see the different types of music that you are not used to hearing every day,” said Teal.

Students found that their music can be interpreted in different ways for all.

“It is very good music,” said graduate student in music performance Shaun Baxley. “I enjoyed it. It is definitely out there in some pieces, but it’s a great collection of musicians coming together and showcasing composers of modern time. It is music that speaks to everyone in a different way.”

Iktus enjoyed that the audience was open minded to their music and admired the university’s support.

“SLU has a very supportive faculty and receptive group of students,” said Lodge. “It was great that everyone we met was open-minded to our music. The campus is beautiful. It’s an inspiring place to make music.”

Saxophonist Erin Rogers
The Lion's Roar/Kelli Meynard

Guitarist Jay Sorce
The Lion's Roar/Kelli Meynard

Pianist Andrea Lodge
The Lion's Roar/Kelli Meynard