Airplay
Website(s) : http://www.baregasax.com / http://www.soundcloud.com/baregasax / http://www.youtube.com/baregasax
Barega Saxophone Quartet’s mission is to foreground new original Australian repertoire. This program highlights some of the most inspired repertoire written for the ensemble by three young composers.
Biography
The Barega Saxophone Quartet was formed in 2007 and is fast becoming one of Australia’s premier single reed ensembles, performing at a variety of venues across the country. The group enjoys a versatile and wide-ranging programme of music from French and classical repertoire to minimalism and contemporary works in addition to specializing in compositions of a crossover classical/jazz nature. A primary goal of the BSQ is to perform and promote original repertoire and Australian works and they have premiered new music at the XVI World Saxophone Congress in St Andrews, Scotland; the Crossbows Festival, Brisbane 2012; the Australian Clarinet and Saxophone Festival, Melbourne, July 2011. 2015 sees the release of Barega’s debut album and performances across Australia and Europe.
More information
Barega Saxophone Quartet’s mission is to foreground new and engaging original Australian repertoire and continually present this music in live performances both in Australia and internationally. This program highlights some of the most inspired and cutting edge repertoire written for the ensemble by three young, celebrated composers. This performance presents music that is deeply layered and multifaceted music, vibrant and energetic enough to be accessible to a wide audience, at the same time as being on the forefront of innovation in the classical saxophone genre. Barega Sax’s ongoing commitment to new Australian music is their strongest and most celebrated aspect and the ensemble is honoured to have the opportunity to once again have the opportunity to present this music at another World Saxophone Congress.
The Performance Program:
Airplay – Samantha Wolf
As a performing saxophonist herself, Samantha Wolf’s writing for the saxophone is inspired, elegant, and effortless. Understanding the intricacies of the instrument she is able to craft beautiful melodies and vibrant ensemble colours with ease. This work is the first collaboration between Wolf and Barega and will be a European Premiere performance. In her own words, Wolf states: “The idea for the piece is to use the idiosyncratic nature of the saxophone quartet to explore the line between music and noise, notes and distortion, sound and unsound. In other words, I want to play with air, and see how musical expression and form can be communicated by extra-musical sounds. I am also interested in how collaboration between composers and performers can enhance both the creative process and the piece itself.”
Hard to Argue – Catherine Likhuta
Hard to Argue was originally written as a Concertino for horn choir (5 players) in 2014 for the horn section of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. The work has been reimagined as a new work for saxophone quartet exploring both tonal and timbral similarities of the horn and saxophone. Likhuta is a Ukrainian-born, Australian based composer currently in high demand. Her writing for saxophone explores complex rhythmic patterns, interlocking melodic and harmonic snippets, and an impressive ability to craft deeply emotional music. This work, whilst originally for horn, beautifully negotiates the intricacies of the saxophone quartet.
New Work – Andrew Ball
The final piece in the program is an exclusive, world premiere of a new composition by Andrew Ball. This new work is a product of Barega’s unique relationship with Ball being both tenor saxophonist and composer in residence. Ball’s compositional style is fresh on the surface, yet deeply complex as he negotiates differing ideas of harmony and rhythmic ingenuity.