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
IV. Vif et agité
Arranged by Aurelia Quartet
CLAUDE DEBUSSY
’Syrinx’
Solo flute performed by Bridget Bolliger
’Clair de Lune’ from ‘Suite Bergamasque’ (1890-1905)
Arranged by Jay Byrnes
~ interval ~
FERNANDO LERMAN
Los Tres Barrios
I Caballito
II La Paternal
III Villa Mitre
GEORGE GERSHWIN
American In Paris
Arranged by Jay Byrnes
KURT WEILL
Selections from ‘The Threepenny Opera’
Zuhälterballade (Tango Ballad)
Kanonen-Song (Cannon Song)
Anstatt dass-Song (Instead of Song)
Arranged by Gaetano Di Bacco
There’ll be Love, Life and Laughter
Arranged by Michael Duke
September Song
Arranged by Michael Duke
GEORGE GERSHWIN
Rialto Ripples
Arranged by William Perconti and Michael Duke
NEXAS QUARTET
Performers
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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” -
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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 …”
