Lunchbox Concert: Xyris Quartet

Program

Johan Halvorsen (1864-1935) Passacaglia after G.F Handel's Suite No. 7 in G minor for Harpsichord, arr. Jabra Latham for saxophone quartet

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685-1750) The Art of Fugue

Contrapunctus I
Contrapunctus III
Contrapunctus IX

QUIN THOMSON (b. 1974) Wake in Fright

PERCY GRAINGER (1882-1961) Molly on the Shore

KATHARINE ‘KITTY’ PARKER (1886-1971) Down Longford Way

P. GRAINGER Shepherd’s Hey

J. LATHAM Over the Fence

Britney Spears, Cathy Dennis, Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, Henrik Jonback Toxic

Notes on the program

Katharine (Kitty) Parker Down Longford Way (from Four Musical Sketches for Piano) (arranged for saxophone quartet by Jabra Latham)
Katharine Parker was born and raised in Parnook, Lake River, near Longford (Tasmania). She was a student and friend of Percy Grainger, who greatly admired her work. In a letter from Grainger to Parker he wrote "It is a crying shame you do not compose more. 'Down Longford Way' is full of sheer genius - especially that genius I feel counts most: a sense of largeness in form and the ability to unfold naturally. You are one of the few who could write large works (such as symphonies) without seeming (what is called here) "too hot for your pants". Australia needs great (not merely slick) musicians such as you are. How I wish you could settle down to a life of composing great works to the glory of our darling country."
 

About the Artists

XYRIS QUARTET

Xyris Quartet, “thrilling to listen to... technically secure... spectacularly so” - Peter Donnelly (The Mercury) comprises Tasmanian contemporary-classical saxophonists Benjamin Price (soprano saxophone), Jabra Latham (alto saxophone), Thomas McKay (tenor saxophone), and Eva Nilssen (baritone saxophone), performing captivating blends of classical and contemporary music.

Their performances encompass classical masterpieces, ranging from the works of Bach, to modern compositions, and brand new music, ensuring a diverse and immersive experience for their audiences and bridging the gap between centuries of musical tradition. Xyris’ performances highlight the incredible versatility of the saxophone, exploring genres from classical classics to experimental contemporary pieces, underscoring the saxophone's evolution as an instrument and its potential for profound artistic expression. Xyris Quartet has recorded and performed for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and appeared as soloists with the Hobart Chamber Orchestra in the premiere of Jabra Latham’s Three Days of Rain.

Notably, Xyris performs exclusively on vintage saxophones that preserve the acoustic properties intended by the instrument’s inventor, Adolphe Sax.This rare choice serves to present a lush and lyrical sound world, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to their performances.