ABOUT Saturnino Tiamson, Jr.

SESSION TITLE: Harmonizing Heritage: The Evolution of Philippine Drum & Bell/Lyre Traditions

VIRTUAL SESSION DATE & TIME: Coming soon…

Satur, an accomplished musician, has garnered prestigious awards. His accomplishments include being named The Outstanding Young Men for Arts in Music by JCI Philippines (TOYM) and receiving the 2018 Presidential Award by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, both of which were praised by the President of the Philippines. Other awards include the University of the Philippines Distinguished Alumnus for Culture and the Arts, Asia’s Influential Musician by Asia’s Influential Leader Awards, and the title of Asia’s Reputable International Musician from Asia’s Pinnacle Awards in 2023.

Time Out Magazine recognized him among the Top 20 Musicians in Hong Kong in 2008. Satur’s success extends to winning multiple gold medals at the 20th World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, USA, in 2016, and securing 2nd Prize at the 14th edition of the Italy Percussion Competition in Pescara, Italy, for the drumset category. Additionally, from 2021 to 2023, he excelled in online competitions, seizing over 20 first prize awards in drumset and percussion categories worldwide.

Satur’s educational achievements include a Diploma in Music with a Major in Percussion from the University of the Philippines College of Music. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Percussion Performance from St. Paul Manila University College of Music and the Performing Arts.

Satur’s notable professional journey includes serving as the band leader for the Hong Kong Disneyland Band from 2005 to 2015. He has showcased his talents alongside distinguished orchestras such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, and has served as the former Principal Percussionist of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and the Metro Manila Community Orchestra. Furthermore, Satur has enriched his musical experiences by touring Asia with the Asian Youth Orchestra in 2001 and 2004, as well as participating in the Southeast Asian Youth Wind Ensemble in Thailand in 2003. Presently, he contributes as the Co-Principal Percussionist and guest solo drummer for the Kong Metropolitan Pop Orchestra.

Throughout his career, Satur has been involved in over 20 productions in Hong Kong and Manila, including notable performances such as the International premiere of Fun Home, the Asian premiere of Matilda, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Kinky Boots, Side Show, Waitress, and many more. In Hong Kong, he showcased his talent as a percussionist in the award-winning musical, The Woman in Kenzo by Chung Ying Theatre Company, and in various musicals under the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts School of Drama, Hong Kong Singers, HK 3 Arts Musical Institute, HKUST, and Hong Kong Players. Satur has also performed as a percussionist at the Grasshopper Concert in 2022, featuring legendary Cantopop artists, and with numerous other artists in Hong Kong.

His recent performances include serving as a body percussionist in the World and London premiere of WILD (The Musical) by the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, and as a guest percussionist at the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong in concerts such as The Snowman & the Bear and the Harry Potter Concert. In 2024, he performed as a drummer at Disney in Concert with the HKSW Symphony Orchestra.

As an educator, Satur has conducted percussion and drum clinics and workshops at various festivals, including the 48th Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention (virtually), the International Fringe Association Percussion Festival in Initial-P (HK), the Gip Percussion Summer Festival (HK), the Hong Kong International Drummer Festival, and the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in Manila. He has also presented and performed at TEDx Hong Kong and TEDx HKU.

Satur currently teaches drums and percussion at multiple schools, studios, and academies across Hong Kong and has since 2006. He is the conductor of the award-winning Percussion Ensemble in Alliance Primary School in HK, teaching Samba drumming, Chinese drumming, drum circles, and drumset in different schools.

He is a member of the Board of Advisors at the Percussive Arts Society (US), a member of the PAS World Percussion Committee (US), and the President of the PAS Philippine Chapter (PAS Outstanding Chapter Awardee 2021). Additionally, he is the President of PASAMBAP (a 70-year-old Band Organization in the Philippines).

Satur is the founder of the drum program named STiX where he gives clinics, workshops, and drum lessons. He proudly endorses Zildjian Cymbals, Prologix pads, Grover Pro Percussion, Innovative Percussion, and Toca Percussion.