Renowned musicians from France will visit the UF campus March 28-29, 2014 for the 2014 Saxophone Symposium. The two-day event includes a variety of master classes, recitals and discussions. All events are free and open to the public.
The following French artists will participate in this year’s symposium: Composer/Pianist Denis Levaillant, Saxophonist Jean-Michel Goury and pianist Yves Josset. Levaillant is a highly-respected composer active in many styles and genres of music whose music has been featured in films, on stage and at the Paris Opera. Goury is an internationally renowned soloist, new music specialist and professor at the Conservatoire National de Region de Boulogne-Billancourt in France. Yves Josset is also a well-travelled musician and is professor of piano at the Conservatoire National de Musique de La Creuse.
“This year’s event will feature two multimedia symposiums that address topics of interest to performers and audiences alike—film music, jazz influences in concert music, the composer-performer relationship, and directions in new French music,” said UF Professor of Music Jonathan Helton. “Our artists will also present five different master classes in saxophone, piano improvisation and composition where they will work with students from UF and other central-Florida institutions. The day will also feature a mini-concert by UF saxophone ensembles. Our event will culminate in a multi-dimensional concert of new music that will involve all of our guest artists in a variety of roles.”
Previously known as the UF International Master Class Series, the Saxophone Symposium is held every couple of years and features guest artists from around the globe. Past guest artists have hailed from the Netherlands, England and Canada. This year’s symposium is made possible with assistance from the UF International Center, the UF France Florida Research Center, the UF Office of Research and Graduate Programs and the UF School of Music.
Schedule of Events for Friday, March 28:
- Symposium I, 12:50 p.m., Music Building 101: Learn about the relation between improvisation, performance and composition as well as New French Music: The French tradition and the influence of Jazz
- Saxophone Master Class with Jean-Michel Goury, 4:00 p.m., Music Building 121
- Composition Master Class with Denis Levaillant, 4:00 p.m., Music Building 145
Schedule of Events for Saturday, March 29:
- Saxophone Master Class with Jean-Michel Goury, 10:00 a.m., Music Building 101
- "Mastering the art of improvisation on the piano" with Denis Levaillant, 10:00 a.m., Music Building 121
- Symposium II, 1:30 p.m., Music Building 101: Learn about an imaginary folklore: Jazz as an integral part of the “new music” and the Cinematic Edge: Music as a dramatic art
- Saxophone Master Class with Jean-Michel Goury, 3:00 p.m., Music Building 101
- UF Saxophone Ensembles Concert, 4:30 p.m., Music Building 101
- Guest Artist Recital, 5:30 p.m., Music Building 101
To learn more, click here.
