October 19, 2019 – Jonathan Hulting-Cohen

Dear friends,

As we posted last week, the scheduled saxophonist Ashu is ill and unable to travel. Substituting on short notice for Ashu and his pianist is:

JONATHAN HULTING-COHEN, saxophone
NADINE SHANK, piano

The programme they have designed for us includes eight composers ranging from Ibert and Poulenc to Paquito D’Rivera, and includes three Tangos by Astor Piazzolla.

Jonathan is active as a soloist and chamber musician and is on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he teaches saxophone.

Nadine has performed extensively in the United States and Poland and has recorded over 18 CDs. She is the long-time Principal Orchestral Pianist with the Springfield (MA) Symphony Orchestra.

From Classical to Contemporary, here is what Jonathan has to say about this poignant  programme:

“My interest in classical saxophone starts with my training as a violinist and singer. The virtuoso traditions in violin and voice are storied and command such incredible repertoire that it is sometimes hard to remember why I switched. For me, though, the saxophone combines the best of both worlds: the richness and tonal variety of the voice, the limitless technique and dare-devil speed possibilities of the violin. This is a reckoning that its inventor, Adolphe Sax, made in 1843 when he first drew up plans for the instrument, setting into motion a long history of virtuoso saxophone soloists with novel and captivating tones that would change classical and popular music forever. Tonight’s program features a wide range of sounds and styles, some old and some new that we have carefully curated to be beautiful, impressive, and entertaining. Each piece is squarely classical music, yet most sit adjacent to other styles. Jazz, pop, tango and traditional music are referenced in some, and in others, it is simply the adaptation for the saxophone that gives the music its edge. We love and are so looking forward to performing this music for you, and demonstrating the full range of this beautiful instrument.”

Young Artist Program

Ray Guerard
Pianist Ray Guerard has been fascinated with all aspects of music since childhood. He has been recognized as an outstanding pianist at the Winnipeg and Provincial Music and Arts Festivals. Ray has been the recipient of scholarships from the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers’ Association (MRMTA). He has a dedicated YouTube channel that chronicles his performances since he was a child. Ray has performed in a variety of venues including the Millennium Library, James Richardson International Airport, Centennial Concert Hall, St. Boniface Hospital, and the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre. He is employed with St. John Brebeuf Parish as their choir accompanist and accompanies weddings and other local events. Ray enjoys teaching privately at the Academy of Music.

As a 2019 graduate from J.H. Bruns Collegiate, Ray was recognized with the “Outstanding Music Program Contribution Award” for accompanying the school choir and supporting other elements of the music program. This year, he is planning to complete all of the theoretical and practical performance exams for the ARCT in piano performance diploma level.

 
Thank you all, and enjoy this amazing concert. What a cool way to heat up a Saturday night!