Alexej Gerassimez and Signum Saxophone Quartet

I’m thrilled to be able to announce a new collaboration with these incredible musicians. A new work for percussion and saxophone quartet. Premiered in early 2020 at the Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with following concerts in Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, a Balkan Tour, Benelux, and more. Can’t wait to get started.

Alexej Gerassimez Percussion SIGNUM saxophone quartet

Blaž Kemperle, soprano saxophone Hayrapet Arakelyan, alto saxophone Alan Lužar, tenor saxophone Guerino Bellarosa, baritone saxophone

This new project will be part of the Starry Night concept program. Five young musicians create soundscapes that no one has ever explored before as they embark on a Star Trek-like journey. Percussionist Alexej Gerassimez and the SIGNUM saxophone quartet are all highly acclaimed performers and universalists of the young classical music scene. These are five virtuosos who love to break down barriers between concert and performance, between styles and genres and between composition and improvisation. Crossing borders is also the central focus of the programme which the multi-percussionist and four saxophonists have conceived together. Familiar classics such as Holst’s “Planets” are followed by contemporary works by Alexej Gerassimez (“Rebirth”) and Steve Martland (“Starry Night”) and by a new piece specially commissioned from the New Zealand composer John Psathas. Cosmic sound tracks by John Williams rub shoulders with fire crackers from the world of rock music (Pink Floyd and AC/DC). The concert galaxy is shaped by theatrically choreographed works (“Bad touch” by Casey Cangelosi) as well as by sophisticated lighting control and presentations.

In putting together their set list, the musicians have sought inspiration from the major questions facing mankind. Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? Their music takes the audience on a trip deep into space and right into the heart of our subconscious, where we confront our fears, dreams and yearnings.

In short, the concert becomes a spatial experience which appeals to all ages and all types of audience – exciting and soothing, surprising and familiar, romantic and rocking, grounded and other worldly.

PROGRAMM

SUN

Alexej Gerassimez (1987): Rebirth 7 ́ for percussion and saxophone quartet

PLANETS

Gustav Holst (1874-1934): The Planets 20 ́ Transcription for percussion and saxophone quartet

Jupiter Venus Uranus

John Psathas (1966): Commission piece
for Alexej Gerassimez and SIGNUM saxophone quartet

STARS

Casey Cangelosi: Bad Touch 6 ́ for performer and playalong

*break*

Steve Martland (1954-2013): Starry Night 10 ́ Transcription for percussion and saxophone quartet

Alexej Gerassimez (1987): Asventuras 6 ́ for Snare Drum Solo

MOON

AC/DC (Angus Young, Malcolm Young): Thunderstruck 5 ́ for saxophone quartet

Pink Floyd Suite 11 ́ Transcription for saxophone quartet and percussion

John Williams (1932): Cantina Band 3 ́ Transcription for saxophone quartet and percussion

Booking

Angelika Jacob, Konzertdirektion Goette Phone: 0049 40 4501 11854
In conjunction with Franco Panozzo, Artists Management Company