Timothy McAllister – Tyshawn Sorey work to be premiered at Lucerne Festival; US Premiere with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

“Friday evening, Jennifer Higdon’s lyrical Soprano Sax Concerto displayed the classical capabilities of the instrument and the musical talents of soloist Timothy McAllister. The music concentrates on song-like lines and emotional sensitivity rather than virtuosic fireworks, though McAllister’s gleaming tone and supple runs enhanced this fine work.”

Phyllis Rosenblum The Santa Cruz Sentinel

“I have great admiration for your great talent…I have been very impressed by your masterful technique, by the simplicity of your playing, by your musical intelligence, by the perfect presentation…”

Jean-Marie Londeix Legendary Saxophonist, Conservatoire National de Bourdeaux

“Timothy McAllister delivers unusually pure and sweet tone”

Joshua Rosenblum Opera News (February 2019)

“a titan of contemporary music and the instrument in general”

Zachary Lewis The Plain Dealer, Cleveland (10/7/14)

“McAllister shone in the virtuosic concerto, navigating the perilous runs and figures with ease while keeping a high level of technical proficiency. His musicality was the high point of the performance, especially in the opening movement where Dahl eschewed a steady beat and rhythm, leaving the soloist to push forward the musical line. The final movement was a whirlwind of fingers, but each note and phrase was perfectly placed.”

John Norine, Jr. Theater Jones: Arts News in North Texas

“John Adams said he wouldn’t wish [that alto saxophone solo] on anyone, but Timothy McAllister dispatching it with wonderful grace on this world premiere evening.”

Fred Child Commentary from American Public Media/Performance Today’s coverage of Gustavo Dudamel’s Inaugural Concert with the LA Phil

“a mature, polished performer…whose dynamic and color contrasts enhance his ability to communicate - Bravo!”

Leone Buyse Former Associate Principal Flute, Boston Symphony Orchestra

“The LA Phil played superbly, with special kudos to saxophonist Timothy McAllister…”

Robert D. Thomas Music Critic, Pasadena Star-News

“Dudamel led a bracing, propulsive performance with instrumental lines clear even in Adams’ most riotous contrapuntal moments. The L.A. Phil members covered themselves in glory with outstanding contributions…especially, Timothy McAllister’s evocative and bravura alto sax playing.”

Lawrence A. Johnson The Classical Review

“He gave the piece the knockout performance it deserved…[McAlllister] gave a fluent demonstration of what his instrument —all his instruments—can do. He tore his way nimbly through intricate passagework, shaped lyrical melodies with the grace of an opera singer, and gave the piece all the theatrical panache it wanted.”

J.Kosman [John Corigliano’s ‘Triathlon’ - world premiere with the San Francisco Symphony] San Francisco Chronicle

“A tremendous saxophonist, McAllister played with great strength, bright tone, and excellent intonation—including the altissimo register—on all his horns…in the end Corigliano’s ‘Triathlon’ brought the house down in cheers for soloist, orchestra, and composer.”

George Grella New York Classical Review (6/5/22)

“One of America’s bright young stars in teaching and in performing…exceptionally gifted.”

Michael Segell Award-Winning Author and Contributing Editor, Esquire Magazine

“[City Noir’s] second movement, “The Song Is for You,” is softer and, on the surface, sweeter than the first, and jazzy. I heard hints of Gershwin in the horns after a flamboyant saxophone solo played by Timothy McAllister.”

Mark Swed Los Angeles Times

“Top Classical Saxophone Recordings - Timothy McAllister (Scena and Visions)”

Mark Stryker Detroit Free Press, October 2000

“…jaw-dropping technical display…a well-known master of his instrument.”

Daniel Coombs Audiophile Audition

“Handling the extensive saxophone solos was guest musician Timothy McAllister, who performed the work’s world premiere and who was brought in at Adams’ request. Although seated in the middle of the orchestra, he stood for the solos and played the jazz-inspired riffs in a nervy, improvisatory style, a highlight of what was a fine performance.”

David Fleshler The Miami Herald/South Florida Classical Review

“Timothy McAllister gave intense, intelligent performances…mournful [and] exuberant…”

Bruce Hodges S&H International Concert Review - MusicWeb (UK)

“Timothy McAllister flew through complicated passagework, produced high notes of arresting intensity and intoned lyrical lines with soul and playfulness”

Daniel Hathaway ClevelandClassical.Com (10/18/14)

“Mr. McAllister ‘has a singing legato matched with excellent and fluent technique…a superior performer.’”

Philip Farkas Legendary Hornist, Former Principal Horn, Chicago Symphony

“City Noir is about process, not stasis…there was a prominent part for saxophone (played by the steady Timothy McAllister)…”

Arthur Kaptainis National Post (Toronto)

News

Tyshawn Sorey work to be premiered at Lucerne Festival; US Premiere with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

April 21, 2022

Very excited to share this news! It is a dream to premiere a new work for saxophone and orchestra by composer/performer and MacArthur Fellow TYSHAWN SOREY at the historic Lucerne Festival with Elena Schwarz in August 2022! The work is co-commissioned by the Lucerne Festival and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as part of New Music USA’s “Amplifying Voices.” The US Premiere with ASO is set for March 2023 with conductor Stephen Mulligan.

Click on links in “Performances” for concert information!

All News