Timpanist Steven Logan chats with Voices about his love for classical music, growing up in the US and joining the APO seven years ago.

Timpanist Steven Logan chats with Voices about his love for classical music, growing up in the US and joining the APO seven years ago.

Steven's always passionate about timpani but right now he's even more excited than usual due to the arrival of some new toys - a set of timpani from the Netherlands.

The timpani's roots go back to medieval infantries when it was used as a military percussion for drummers on horseback and since the late 1700s its magnificent sound has been a staple of the classical orchestra line-up.

The drums are made with a membrane of calf or goat skin stretched over the head, making them quite sensitive to humidity and heat which affects the pitch as a consequence.

When Kadambari Gladding visits, it's peak concert season and Steven has been playing with APO at the Town Hall almost every week.

Between rehearsals for the German opera Die Tote Stadt and Troy Kingi's Matariki performance, Steven chats about his love for classical music, growing up in the US and joining the APO seven years ago.

Listen to the full conversation with Steven Logan recorded at the Auckland Town Hall

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details