IMPROMPTU CLASSICAL CONCERTS OPENS SEASON WITH SAXOPHONE VIRTUOSO ASHU
St. Paul’s Church is the venue for Impromptu Classical Concerts first concert of the 2015 season, Sunday, January 4th at 4:00pm. The venerable organization is celebrating its 43rd year as an iconic cultural institution. While dedicated to Classical repertoire, Impromptu Classical Concerts embraces the ever-evolving and expanding musical literature within the genre.
Board President Lillian Van Hest describes ICC’s position: “This 2015 concert series is especially outstanding in every way. Presenting different parts of a full orchestra you will hear brass, wind (saxophone), violin, viola, cello, percussion, flute, oboe, bassoon and horns, all up close with all the intimacy of a very private audience.”
Acclaimed Saxophone player Ashu will lead off the concert series on January 4th. His program includes works by 20th Century composers Jacque Ibert (“Concertino da Camera”); Paul Creston (“Sonata, Op. 19 for Alto Saxophone and Piano”) and Astor Piazzolla (“Three Tangos for Soprano Saxophone and Piano”). Piazzolla’s Latin-infused compositions have enjoyed renewed popularity over the last decade. His music was featured to great success at two 2014 Impromptu Classical Concerts performances. The program will also include a contemporary piece “Italian Film Suite” by Ennio Marricone and arranged by Ashu.
Notes Ashu: “I’ll be performing an extremely diverse program in Key West. It is also a collection of some of my favorite works. The program will feature some of the greatest works originally written for saxophone and piano, along with some of my favorite personal arrangements by Argentinean tango master Astor Piazzolla, Italian film composer Ennio Morricone, and more. It’s a very accessible program and something I think anyone can enjoy.”
And – Surprise! – he looks forward to his return to Key West. “I had the great pleasure of performing on the Key West Impromptu series once before and I absolutely loved Key West. It is a breathtakingly beautiful place. I very fondly remember the extremely warm and receptive audience, as well as the wonderfully beautiful venue, and I truly can’t wait to come back.”
Accompanying Ahu is pianist Kuang-Hao Huang, who has performed as soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Mr. Huang is also a member of Fulcrum Point New Music Project, and has been involved with the Chicago Chamber Musicians.
Concert tickets are $20 at the door one hour before the performance, by calling: 305.745.2283, online: Keystix.com or classicalconcertskw.com. Season subscription pass (6 concerts) – $100. Subscription passes can be used for all concerts or for multiple guests at one or more concerts. All students free.