A proponent of new and classic, western and world percussion music, FRANK CASSARA has premiered many works with as many diverse groups. As percussionist for the Philip Glass Ensemble, he has performed around the globe as well as recording Glass' music and film scores. He has also performed around the world with Steve Reich and Musicians at major international festivals. As a member of the New Music Consort/PULSE Percussion Ensemble he has appeared at major festivals in the US and abroad, as well as premiering and recording new percussion ensemble works. Frank Cassara has toured extensively with Newband/Harry Partch Ensemble, performing and recording on Partch's original microtonal instruments and Dean Drummond's Zoomoozophone. He has also performed or recorded with groups as Music From China, Percussia, Manhattan Marimba Quartet, Talujon Percussion Quartet, North/South Consonance and Ethos Percussion Group. Principal percussionist of the Riverside Symphony, he has been principal of the Connecticut Grand Opera and a member of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. He has also performed with many area orchestras such as the Brooklyn Philharmonic, American Composers Orchestra, and the Long Island Philharmonic. Frank Cassara has played for Broadway shows "Lion King" "Porgy & Bess", "Phantom", "42nd Street" and "Music Man" among others, and heads the percussion departments at Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, Long Island University and Vassar College.