The Hartt School Saxophone Studio traveled to Fairfax, Virginia to present at the International Saxophone Symposium held at George Mason University on Jan. 9–10. The United States Navy Band hosts the conference each year and attendees travel from across the United States and abroad to perform.
The entire Hartt Saxophone Studio were featured in a consortium premiere performance of Max Wolpert's "Nine Lives of Adolphe Sax," a work dedicated to the several zany ways the inventor of the saxophone nearly passed. Each studio member was featured as a soloist in one of the nine movements of the work. The packed recital hall enthusiastically enjoyed this unique type of performance.
Two Hartt School saxophone quartets (Quadceratops and Kalmia) applied to perform as a part of the College Quartet series. Both groups performed high energy programs interspersing new compositions with standard works. Quadceratops is comprised of Matthew Bilafer, Joshua Crespo, Thomas Orbinski, and Michael Dubler. Kalmia Quartet is comprised of Ronitt Dhalliwal, Aly Attenello, Dakota Jones, and Daniel Ripp.
Graduate students Evan Blitzer, Ashtyn Wolph, and Scott Brown presented recitals as well. Evan Blitzer and Adam Agonoy (horn) presented two works written for the unique combination of alto saxophone and horn, including a world premiere of a work by Hartt composer Joseph Dunkelberg. Ashtyn Wolph performed two of her own compositions, including the premiere of a new version of her work Aulos. Scott Brown performed two of his own transcriptions of 20th century works originally for violin on the soprano saxophone.
Professor Carrie Koffman was selected as a featured recital and masterclass artist this year. She gave a powerful performance of electroacoustic works from her “Voiced” project, a series of compositions created to give voice to stories and experiences not normally expressed in classical music. She also gave a very insightful masterclass to two collegiate students on standard saxophone works.
Additionally, former Jackie McLean Fellow, Steven Banks, performed as a featured concerto soloist with the United States Navy Concert Band in a remarkably stunning performance of Paul Creston's Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Band.
All performances with piano were accompanied by Hartt School accompanist Elisabeth Tomczyk who traveled with the students for their performances.
After a busy weekend of performing, everyone is returning home to Hartford inspired and ready to share performances locally.
Mark your calendars on Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. to hear the next saxophone concert on campus, "Hartt by Heart with Hartt" at Berkman Recital Hall.
Follow @harttsaxophones on Instagram to keep up with what all of our students are up to!