The Sydney Chamber Music Festival
Season 24
NEXAS QUARTET
with guest flautist, Bridget Bolliger
Sunday 10th November 2024
3:00pm to 4:30pm
Manly Art Gallery and Museum
West Esplanade Manly NSW 2095
“These very “cool” musicians make a saxophone quartet sound like an orchestra.”
Join us for a captivating afternoon of musical exploration at the upcoming Nexas Quartet concert, where Ravel’s iconic string quartet is reimagined in the rich tones of saxophones. Experience the vibrant soundscapes of the Weimar era with selections from Kurt Weill’s timeless “Threepenny Opera” brought to life with unparalleled passion.
Claude Debussy's “Clair de Lune” from “Suite Bergamasque” is a delicate, ethereal piece that evokes the serene beauty of moonlight through its flowing melodies and impressionistic harmonies.
As a highlight, the quartet will be accompanied by Sydney flautist Bridget Bolliger, whose enchanting melodies will weave the brilliance of Weill and Villa-Lobos into an unforgettable performance of classical innovation and mastery.
To close, Kurt Weill's “September Song” is a poignant, melancholic ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of love, set to a simple yet emotionally powerful melody.
NEXAS QUARTET
Program
PRE-CONCERT TALK
‘Up close and personal‘ at 2.15 pm with the concert performers.
Hosted by 2MBS Fine Music Sydney presenter and producer, Simon Moore
MAURICE RAVEL
String Quartet No.1 in F Major
I. Allegro moderato. Très doux
II. Assez vif. Très rythmé
III. Très lent
CLAUDE DEBUSSY
’Clair de Lune’ from ‘Suite bergamasque’ (1890-1905)
Arranged by Jay Byrnes
~ interval ~
HEITOR VILA-LOBOS
Bachiana Brasileiras nº 5 (Ária)
KURT WEILL
Selections from ‘The Threepenny Opera’
Zuhälterballade (Tango Ballad)
Kanonen-Song (Cannon Song)
Anstatt dass-Song (Instead of Song)
Die Moritat von Mackie Messer (The Ballad of Mack the Knife)
KURT WEILL
September Song
NEXAS QUARTET
Performers
-
![]()
Nexas Quartet
These very “cool” musicians make a saxophone quartet sound like an orchestra. With sumptuous mellow sounds, you will be amazed at the sheer beauty and versatility of this ensemble. Nexas Quartet stands as a trailblazing saxophone ensemble known for redefining the boundaries of chamber music. Comprising saxophonists Michael Duke, Andrew Smith, Nathan Henshaw, and Jay Byrnes, the quartet has garnered widespread recognition for their exceptional musicianship and unique artistic approach.
“Utterly startling … adrenaline fueled. 4.5 stars.”
“The group demonstrated its tight ensemble work and took us on a romp of colourations, each as exciting as the next” -
![]()
Bridget Bolliger
As a chamber musician, Ms. Bolliger has appeared at Chamber Music Festivals in Ainey, France, the Curitiba International Music Festival in Brazil, the Huntington Estate Music Festival in New South Wales, Australia, and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Queensland. She has collaborated with many distinguished Australian and British musicians and with principal members of the Chicago and Montreal Symphony Orchestras.
“Bolliger, renowned for her exquisite tone and her immaculate phrasing, charmed the audience with every note...”
“From the very first notes, you will be blown away, both by Bolliger’s glorious sound …”
