TROICA – trio
Website(s) : http://faculty.ithaca.edu/mauk/ / http://faculty.ithaca.edu/mauk/troica/ / http://faculty.ithaca.edu/mauk/troica/mp3/
A concert of original music for alto saxophone, trumpet, and piano.
Biography
Steven Mauk (alto saxophone), Kim Dunnick (trumpet), and Diane Birr (piano) are the members of this unique chamber ensemble called, TROICA. All are professors of music at the Ithaca College School of Music (Ithaca, NY). They have uncovered and commissioned numerous compositions for this highly-effective ensemble, and recorded their first CD in 2010. The Russian word troika is used to denote a governing body made up of three equal individuals. This definition was used, but with a respelling substituting IC to indicate the Ithaca College connections. Concerts have been presented in Russia, Siberia, Australia, Ireland, Slovenia, and the US. Numerous international composers have written pieces for this creative ensemble.
More information
This recital will present to the WSC attendees three new and unusual pieces for trumpet, alto saxophone, and piano. These artists have championed the creation of new works for this group to help expand the chamber music repertoire for the saxophone. TROICA has been praised in reviews and in person for their outstanding performances, and their presentation at the World Saxophone Congress will be a unique addition to the concert program.
Steven Mauk, the saxophonist in TROICA, has become well known in the international saxophone community. He has served two terms as president of the North American Saxophone Alliance, served as organizer of the WSC meeting presented in Washington, D.C., and been a member of the International Saxophone Committee. Mauk has taught at Ithaca College for 40 years and is now one of the senior professors among those in the US. He has written four books, recorded 21 CDs, and written over 100 articles about the saxophone. He has performed in numerous countries around the world and in many universities in the US, presenting recitals, concertos, and master classes. Mauk is a member of TROICA, REMELEIXO (soprano saxophone and guitar), TANGO DE CAMARA (soprano saxophone, guitar, and double bass), and the EMPIRE SAXOPHONE QUARTET.