Adkins Arboretum joins with the National Music Festival in presenting a unique improvisatory performance in the Arboretum forest on Fri., June 12 when Mana Saxophone Quartet performs Forest Music. Positioning themselves in various places in the forest, within hearing distance though not necessarily within sight of each other, these innovative musicians will respond to each other’s playing in a musical conversation that winds through the trees. Following the forest performance, they will give a brief concert in the Visitor’s Center. The program begins at 4 p.m.
Championed by Chamber Music Magazine as “Saxophone Ambassadors,” the Mana Quartet has presented fresh interpretations of twenty-first-century repertoire and many virtually unheard-of twentieth-century masterworks since its inception in 2007. Using vintage instruments built to the specifications of the saxophone’s inventor, Adolphe Sax, Mana’s passionate presentations offer audiences a chance to view the saxophone in a new light—a striking aesthetic characterized by intrinsic warmth, dynamic range of character and absolute versatility. Mana redefines the saxophone quartet and the saxophone’s place in classical music.
In 2009, Mana Quartet became the first saxophone quartet in history to receive the coveted Grand Prize at the Coleman International Chamber Ensemble Competition, quickly elevating them to the professional chamber music arena. Since then, the group has taken on a growing list of residencies at major music festivals and universities, as well as countless community outreach concerts and events throughout the United States and Europe. Mana is repeatedly featured on NPR’s Performance Today, with orchestras across North America in featured concerto appearances, and maintains a high profile on the chamber circuit.
Mana is currently the Resident Chamber Ensemble at the National Music Festival, held May 31 to June 13 in Chestertown.
This program is free. Gallery seating for the Visitor’s Center concert is limited; early registration is highly recommended. Register for Forest Music at adkinsarboretum.org, or call 410.634.2847, ext. 0.
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