Nexas Quartet join forces with one Australia’s most recognised pianists, Piers Lane to present Elena Kats-Chernin’s Five Chapters for Saxophone Quartet and Piano. In Elenas words “The Five Chapters present a personal account of momentary events.” A work of mystery and expectation, vivacity, riddles and spiralling momentum towards time’s inexorable horizons. Nexas has always held the creation of new Australian music as one of their prerogatives and this program exemplifies this. The program is an all Australian affair with works by Brophy, Broadstock, Dargaville, Lickuta and Kats-Chernin.

The ‘American in Paris’, from whom this program draws its title, is George Gershwin himself. Inspired by the sounds he heard in France’s capital in 1926, his lively orchestral work An American in Paris lies at the heart of this colourful program for saxophone quartet. Nexas are one of Australia’s foremost saxophone ensembles, dedicated to putting the classical saxophone back on musical radars everywhere. These versatile woodwind instruments, invented in France, can sound like anything from brass to percussion and everywhere in between – simply close your eyes and be transported.

Saturday 19 September, 7pm

Sunday 20 September, 2pm

Dr Nicholas Milton AM conductor

Nexas Saxophone Quartet saxophone

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra

Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain

Kats-Chernin Five Chapters [Australian Premiere]

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64

Spend a terrifying Night on Bald Mountain with Dr Nicholas Milton AM and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra this September as they conjure the dark spirits in Modest Mussorgsky’s demonic tone poem. Then join Sydney’s very own Nexas Saxophone Quartet with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra for the Australian premiere of beloved Australian composer (and former Willoughby composer-in-residence) Elena Kats-Chernin’s Five Chapters, originally written for the world famous Raschèr Saxophone Quartet. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony opens with a haunting clarinet melody, the ‘Fate’ theme that binds the whole symphony together. Fresh from recent successes, including the 1812 Overture, his Violin Concerto and the stunning opera Eugene Onegin, Tchaikovsky was anxious to prove that he was not played out, and the result was

one of music’s most personal and profound symphonies. “It has turned out well,” Tchaikovsky said. Don’t miss what promises to be a powerful performance.

Saturday 19 September, 7pm

Sunday 20 September, 2pm

Dr Nicholas Milton AM conductor

Nexas Saxophone Quartet saxophone

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra

Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain

Kats-Chernin Five Chapters [Australian Premiere]

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64

Spend a terrifying Night on Bald Mountain with Dr Nicholas Milton AM and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra this September as they conjure the dark spirits in Modest Mussorgsky’s demonic tone poem. Then join Sydney’s very own Nexas Saxophone Quartet with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra for the Australian premiere of beloved Australian composer (and former Willoughby composer-in-residence) Elena Kats-Chernin’s Five Chapters, originally written for the world famous Raschèr Saxophone Quartet. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony opens with a haunting clarinet melody, the ‘Fate’ theme that binds the whole symphony together. Fresh from recent successes, including the 1812 Overture, his Violin Concerto and the stunning opera Eugene Onegin, Tchaikovsky was anxious to prove that he was not played out, and the result was

one of music’s most personal and profound symphonies. “It has turned out well,” Tchaikovsky said. Don’t miss what promises to be a powerful performance.

Presenting Australia’s all-encompassing performing arts cruise, BRAVO – returning in 2020 featuring a spectacular program of over 45 artists. You will be thrilled with seven nights of music that traverses musical theatre, opera, cabaret, jazz and much more…

Guests will have the opportunity to experience performances by world-class International and Australian acts, all whilst cruising the enchanting South Pacific Islands of New Caledonia. Departing Sydney from 13-20 October 2020, passengers will enjoy the opulence and indulgence of Royal Caribbeans luxurious Serenade of the Seas. Featuring seven unique performance venues to be explored and experienced, this will be an experience like no other.

Nexas join forces with the exuberant harpist Emily Granger to enchant you with the delights this unusual combination of instruments can deliver. Featuring adaptions of works by Debussy and Ravel the performance showcases the lush tonal palette created between harp and saxophone. The program also includes the Australian premiere of Russel Howard’s work for saxophone quartet and harp, as well as the world premiere of Wijand van Klaveren’s new work for this combination of instruments.