Presented by Nexas Quartet
The saxophone has long been vilified as the bad boy of the musical instrument world, banned by both popes and fascist dictators alike as a symbol of debauchery and hedonism. On the opposite end of the spectrum we have the wholly angelic harp, the instrument of Gabriel, Cupid and all things good. Put them together and the sparks fly producing a new and largely uncharted soundworld. The Nexas Saxophone Quartet is collaborating with renowned harpist Emily Granger to embark upon “Angels and Demons.”
This concert features two world premieres by award winning Australian composer Lyle Chan and Nexas’ own Michael Duke. Dutch composer Wijnand Van Klaveren wrote his sumptuous “Song without Words” especially for this ensemble which will be placed alongside two works from the standard harp repertoire re-imagined in Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro and Debussy’s Danse Sacree et Profane. First collaborating in February 2018, Nexas Quartet with Emily Granger received high praise:
“The mellifluous, sonorous voices of the saxophones contrasted the twinkling agile magical sound of the harp, so superbly played by Ms. Granger.” Sydney Arts Guide.