Branford Marsalis is an artist deeply aligned with the ACO spirit. He hails from a rich Jazz heritage, but is also an artist of today, renowned for his thrilling virtuosity and boundless musicality. His ACO debut is a vivid program inspired by Latin American jazz, directed by our Principal Violin Satu Vänskä.
Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos’s Fantasia for Saxophone and Orchestra is a Marsalis favourite. Written in New York, it is music with an alluring combination of driving beats and lyricism. Marsalis also plays Sally Beamish’s serene Under the Wing of the Rock, arranged especially for him by Beamish, in a bluesy translation for saxophone.
Marsalis’s performances alternate with Satu Vänskä taking centre stage in Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, a heady mixture of tango rhythms and ingenious references to Vivaldi’s famous concertos. The concert concludes with Ginastera’s wild Concerto for Strings and Piazzolla's instantly recognisable Libertango.
Reviews
“The genius emerges as much in interpretation as delivery, with Marsalis forming meaning inside each musical melange...”
- The Australian
“A performance of great energy and meticulous cohesion in every detail.”
- Limelight
Program Detail
STRAVINSKY
–
Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet: No.3
5:00
VILLA-LOBOS
–
Fantasia for Saxophone and Orchestra
10:00
PIAZZOLLA
–
The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
25:00
VILLA-LOBOS
–
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5
10:00
GOLIJOV
–
Last Round: I. Movido, urgente
7:00
SALLY BEAMISH
–
Under the Wing of the Rock: Saxophone Concerto No.2 - Australian Premiere
12:00
GINASTERA
–
Concerto for Strings: I. Variazioni per i solisti, IV. Finale furioso
Branford Marsalis is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader who crosses stylistic boundaries with integrity and excellence. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.
Satu Vänskä
Violin & Vocals
Satu Vänskä was appointed Principal Violin of the ACO in 2004. She regularly performs as lead violin and soloist with the ACO. Satu is also frontwoman, violinist and vocalist of ACO Underground, the ACO’s electro-infused, experimental spin-off band.
Australian Chamber Orchestra
The Australian Chamber Orchestra travels a remarkable road. Making waves across Australia and around the world for its explosive performances and brave interpretations, the ACO embraces celebrated classics alongside new commissions, and adventurous cross-artform collaborations.
Dive In: Branford Marsalis
Preview the music and composers that will feature in the program.
