FSSO Symphony concert
Thursday 2 September 2010

Odeion
19:30

Soloist: Doug Masek (Saxophono)
Conductor: Brandon Phillips

The Free State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Brandon Phillips will conclude the first Muzik@UFS concert series on Thursday 2 September. The programme for the evening is varied and interesting, including music by Chopin (whose 200th birthday is celebrated this year), Noel Stockton (who is turning 80 this year) and Beethoven. Internationally acclaimed saxophonist, Douglas Masek will be the soloist.

The programme will start with Chopin’s Nocturne in A-flat major orchestrated by Stravinski. This will be followed by two compositions for saxophone and orchestra by Noel Stockton: Gossip (for saxophone and string orchestra) and Saxo-Rhapso - the latter work was comissioned for this concert. The themes of Saxo-Rhapso are all drawn from Jazz and Jazz orientated compositions, and the nature of the piece is Rhapsodic. The evening will conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.

Internationally renowned performer and teacher of the saxophone, DOUGLAS MASEK is sought after by orchestras and concert series to perform concertos and solo recitals on stage throughout six continents. His performances, which have emphasized versatility in a wide range of musical styles, from classical and contemporary to jazz, have consistently garnered critical acclaim. The Los Angeles Times stated that Masek's playing is “smooth, sinuous, and glowing with the requisite rich color.” The Daily Review in Oakland, California, wrote that “Masek plays with dazzling virtuosity”, while The Outlook in Santa Monica, California, declared that “Masek's performance was marvelous & his control was almost uncanny; extraordinary musicianship”. Pamina Concerts in Barcelona, Spain, adds that “Masek's playing is always exquisite and full of feeling and musicality”. In South Africa, The Argus wrote "Masek's tone: beautiful and pure” and the Cape Times added “dynamic and magical”.

Brandon Phillips started conducting in the New Apostolic Church. He conducted the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra from 2004 until end 2006. From 2006 to 2010 he took part in yearly conducting master classes under maestro Victor Yampolsky. In February 2010 Mr. Phillips made his conducting debut with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra during the final rounds of the first Len van Zyl conducting competition. Mr. Phillips was awarded first prize, which entailed a month's internship with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra and two months of studies under maestro Yampolsky at the North-western University in Chicago. After his return from the USA, Mr. Phillips initiated a conducting training course as part of the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra education project. He is still involved with conducting in the New Apostolic Church and is currently Principal Bassoonist of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.

Admission
R120 (adults) per concert
R80 (pensioners, students and learners) per concert

Tickets @ Computicket (Shoprite / Checkers, Mimosa Mall, Izami Bloemiste)
Book online at www.computicket.com  

Season tickets:
Only R360 for the whole season - a massive discount of up to R240!

Enquiries:
Ella Kotze (FSSO), tel. 051 – 401 2342 (8:00 – 13:00)
www.fsso.org.za