Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Handel, Brazilian rhythms, arrangements of folk music from various nations, the fiery tangos of Astor Piazzolla, the ballads of Chick Correa – all of these come together harmonically in the Sax Voyage programme that is presented by the Austrian-based Five Sax saxophone quintet. The audience will enjoy musical tricks that are worthy of jugglers. Five Sax is one of the craziest and most exciting saxophone ensembles in the world, bringing together outstanding instrumentalists who have received prizes at competitions all around the world.
Each of the five musicians comes from his own country. Pieter Bellens from Belgium discovered the world of saxophone performance accidentally, Michal Knot from Poland traded his violin, which he learned to play in music school, for the saxophone, Joel Diegert from the United States is responsible for most of the ensemble’s clever arrangements, the stage charm of Alvaro Collao Leon is supplemented with his skills in pantomime and salsa dance, and Damiano Grandesso from Italy merges his joy about music with marathon races and preparation of unbelievably delicious pasta dishes.
The ensemble first came together for street performances in Vienna, offering elements of the theatre that are masterfully balanced with spontaneity and a technically faultless performance style. The musicians feel equally comfortable in stage programmes.
Musicians:
Ensemble Five Sax (Austria):
Charles NG
Michael Knot
Joel Diegert
Alvaro Collao
Damiand Grandesso