Boston University Saxophone Ensemble

On April 20, the Boston University Saxophone Ensemble (members Chris Forbes, Brian Magna, Doug Chan, Seychelle Dunn) will present the Boston Premiere (as part of a series of world-premiere performances), of ‘Changes’ by composer Chris Rutkowski, a consortium commission, of which BU Faculty member Ken Radnofsky is a member, having designated the ensemble he has coached at BU to present it here in Boston. The composer tells us, ‘“Changes,” springs from the mistakes our cell phones make, and begins with ‘Variations-Siri.’ A later movement contains an homage to Paul Creston (who revolutionized modern classical saxophone playing, and created a uniquely American sound), as well as a musical picture of the Platte River in Nebraska, and musical representations in many styles, using classical form, but also integrating funk and pop. The program also includes a presentation of Creston’s own Suite for Saxophone Quartet, one of the late masterworks for saxophone quartet. Ken Radnofsky, director. This event is free and open to the public.