Tim Palmer - BMus(Hons), AdvPgDip, HonRBC

(WPG Artistic Director, Maraca2 Percussion Duo)

Tim Palmer is an internationally acclaimed percussionist, educator, and ensemble director, best known for his work with the award-winning percussion duo, Maraca2. In the 2018/19 season, Maraca2 appeared as featured soloists with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel in a concerto collaboration with composer Joseph Pereira. The work was later reprised with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pascal Rophé.

Tim Palmer has performed internationally, with highlights including featured evening concert appearances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis and the Taiwan International Percussion Convention (TIPC) in 2017. His orchestral work includes performances with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, with appearances at renowned venues such as the Barbican, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Snape Maltings.

In 2016, Tim was appointed percussion adjudicator for the BBC Young Musician of the Year and previously served as President of the Percussive Arts Society UK Chapter.

He began his formal training at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (formerly Birmingham Conservatoire) in 2000, graduating with a First Class BMus(Hons) and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction. In recognition of his professional achievements, he was awarded an Honorary Membership of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (HonRBC) in 2007.

The World Percussion Group

The World Percussion Group founded in 2016 by the internationally acclaimed percussion duo Maraca2, is a global performance and professional development organisation dedicated to supporting the next generation of percussion artists. Through international tours, conservatoire residencies, educational partnerships and online mentorship, WPG creates opportunities for emerging performers to develop the artistic, professional and entrepreneurial skills required for a successful career in music.

Since its launch, the WPG has welcomed over 100 percussionists from more than 50 countries and delivered projects across the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. Selected through a competitive international application process, WPG artists participate in performances, masterclasses, workshops, outreach projects and collaborative residencies at some of the world's leading music institutions. In 2027, WPG launches its most ambitious initiative to date: the WPG Fellowship Tour.

Combining international performance opportunities with year-long artistic and professional development, the Fellowship brings together 20 emerging artists from around the world for a unique programme of conservatoire residencies, mentorship, commissioned works, professional recording projects and cultural exchange across Northern Europe.

WPG's educational network includes partnerships with leading conservatoires, universities, schools and arts organisations, creating meaningful opportunities for artists to engage with diverse audiences while building valuable professional experience. Alongside touring activities, participants benefit from regular online mentorship sessions, career development training and access to an international community of performers, educators and industry professionals.

The organisation has collaborated with many of the percussion world's most respected artists and educators, including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Colin Currie, Pius Cheung, Emmanuel Séjourné, Svet Stoyanov, Marta Klimasara, Garrett Mendelow, Ivana Bilic and many others.

Today, the World Percussion Group continues to connect artists, institutions and audiences across borders, creating opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange and artistic excellence. At its heart, WPG exists to help talented percussionists transform potential into professional opportunity.