Caldwell Fine Arts Past Performances

At the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1855, a panel of judges praised Adolphe Sax’s new invention: “It is perfect whether one considers it from the point of view of intonation and sonority or if one examines the mechanism.” The saxophone, unlike other instruments whose origins were lost in history and modifications, is the fruit of a single concept. From the first day it was manufactured the saxophone was what it is today. Sax (1814-1894) saw the full acceptance of his instrument in military and concert music, but he argued for the instrument’s use in symphonic music. That is only recently and sparingly coming to be. However, the instrument in its various sizes of soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone is coming to Jewett Auditorium as innovative and charming chamber music. The New Century Saxophones have been heard in major concert venues, on Performance Today, the Voice of America, and North Carolina Public TV. They have given a command performance at the White House, performed with the United States Navy Band and with many East Coast symphonies. They are in residence at the North Carolina School of the Arts.

We have been used to hearing the saxophone family in jazz and pop music, in a dance band section, as a rhythm and blues solo, and the wimpy pleading of Kenny G. This concert will expand your understanding of the sounds of sax! It takes on the character of a French horn section, a bassoon, a clarinet, a violin, or the organ.

The only ensemble of its kind ever to win first prize of the Concert Artists Guild Competition, the NEW CENTURY SAXOPHONE QUARTET is a pioneering and versatile group winning fans for its diverse repertoire. At their debut in Los Angeles in 1993, The Times remarked: “Tackling brave new territory in the realm of classical music takes a unique blend of conviction, refined talent and a bit of damn-the-torpedoes ambition.” The group has continued to surprise and delight listeners. A recent review from Greenwich, Connecticut, said: “The saxophone quartet displayed a smoothness of sound, blend of ensemble and range of nuance that often astonishes… .No mere technicians but artists who entered into the spirit of the music with wit and fantasy.”

The selections committee of Caldwell Fine Arts began to consider saxophones for a program about four years ago. It was something like a very slow drum roll…….building and building acceptance until voila, we were of unanimous accord that our audience would really enjoy them. When we read the proposed program, we asked for a name we would recognize so Bach and Bernstein were added to balance the “new” names. A new piece by jazz saxophonist Bob Mintzer, premiered this season, will conclude the program. It was written through a grant from Chamber Music America.

Hear the New Century Saxophones on Chanel Classics CDs. If you want an entirely different Christmas album try A New Century Christmas that was just released the past December. Others include Drastic Measures and Main Street USA.

School assemblies and a master class are supported with funding from the Whittenberger Foundation, the Idaho Commission on the Arts School Connections Grant, and the schools.

View the New Century Saxophone Quartet's website!

ONE NIGHT OF GREAT SAX!

NEW CENTURY SAXOPHONE QUARTET