HMCollective presents ‘Blue is the Air’

Saxophonist Nick Russoniello redefines boundaries with his limitless virtuosity, lyricism, inventiveness, daring and unbelievable breath control—all topped off with panache and a sense of fun!

Limelight Magazine
“An exceptional performer and soloist – you almost have to laugh in astonishment at some of what he delivers, and it’s gripping when he joins forces…”

And join forces, he will!

Highlands Music Collective’s Artistic Director, Myee Clohessy, grabbed the chance to have Nick (in the middle of his nationwide ‘Air Mass’ tour) return to Bowral for a unique one-off concert at Bowral Memorial Hall. Together, they have created ‘Blue is the Air’, combining breathtaking music for saxophone and strings.

Opening with ‘Blue Silence’ for string quartet, the Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin seeks the sound of silence for her son, who is troubled by voices in his head. Nick Russoniello’s ‘Air Mass’ takes us on a journey exploring the deep dark notes of the baritone saxophone up to the glorious high register of the alto sax, all played over audience-generated sounds, loop pedals, body percussion, and much more. To add some cool charm into the mix, HMCollective and Nick will perform six miniatures from Chick Corea’s whimsical ‘Children’s Songs’ album, cleverly arranged for saxophone and string quartet by Ian Stewart and Australia’s Julie Simmonds.

This is one concert you don’t want to miss!

PROGRAM
Elena Kats-Chernin – Blue Silence
Nick Russoniello – Air Mass
Chick Corea – Children’s Songs

HIGHLANDS MUSIC COLLECTIVE
Myee Clohessy, violin
Kate Malone, violin
Rachel Miller, viola
Catherine Barnett, cello
EventsPro, light design

NICK RUSSONIELLO
You name it, he’s done it!
This highly accomplished and dynamic saxophonist, composer, ensemble leader, and educator has appeared as a soloist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra and Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra.

Nick has won the ABC Symphony Australian Young Performer of the Year Award and the Fine Music Kruger Scholarship and was a finalist for the Australian Freedman Fellowship. Nick has appeared at the Sydney Festival, the Royal College of Music (London), Musica Viva Australia, ABC Classic FM, Conservatorio di Milano (Italy), Strasbourg Cité De La Musique (France), and the Australian Digital Concert Hall.

In 2015, Nick performed at the Bowral Autumn Music Festival with the Acacia Quartet at the invitation of Myee Clohessy, the festival’s Artistic Director from 2015 – 2023.

HMCollective proudly supports Australian composers Nick Russoniello and Elena Kats-Chernin.

N.B. Doors will open at 5:40 pm.
You’ll be welcomed with complimentary wine and nibbles before the concert starts at 6:30 pm.
Concert duration approx. 70 mins.