“the main attraction of this enjoyable St. Louis Symphony album, conducted by David Robertson, is Adams’ Saxophone Concerto, composed for the virtuosic Timothy McAllister, who plays it here. Stacked with swing-era allusions, moody 4am interludes and cartwheeling acrobatics, it is unpretentious fun from start to finish”
“brilliant solos were in abundance, especially by Timothy McAllister…”
“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.”
“(John) Adams goes for more than stylizations with [City Noir’s] wily jazz spine. Keeping a sweaty, smoky after-hours jam percolating were Timothy McAllister’s volcanic sax…”
“Soloist Timothy McAllister proved brilliantly up to the enormous demands — vast spreads of pitches, disjunct lines that wanted to be as lyrical as possible and some dazzling scurries.”
January 12-13, 2018
Soloist with US Navy Band
CONNESSON: Saxophone Concerto ‘A Kind of Trane’
(U.S. Premiere; version for band)
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Recital and Masterclass; Liz Ames, piano
Music of Rogers, Biedenbender, Carter, Scott
January 18-20
Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Rafael Payare, conductor.
Feb 7-18
“Glass Pieces”
Choreography: Jerome Robbins
Music: Philip Glass
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Robbins’ birthday, Glass Pieces is a tour de force from pioneer Robbins and minimalist composer Philip Glass. This electrifying work marries artistry and athleticism to echo the pulse of 1980s metropolitan America. Hailed by the New York Times as “landmark Robbins.”
Chicago Premiere
Courtney Snyder, conductor
William Bolcom Concert Suite
Peter Rubardt, conductor
John Williams Escapades
Jennifer Higdon Soprano Saxophone Concerto
Roshanne Etezady Golden Spike
John ADAMS - Saxophone Concerto
Pierre Andres Valade, conductor
Matthew Levy - Forbidden Drive
Bersa Hall
Music of Etezady, Schumann, Bresnick
September 14 & 15
Edo de Waart, conductor
Sept 28-30, 2018
Brett Mitchell, conductor
November 2-4, 2018
Bartok’s “The Wooden Prince” complete ballet music
Matthias Pintscher, conductor