French Reverie
Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 4:00PM
First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley 2407 Dana St, Berkeley, CA 94704Immerse yourself in a trailblazing evening that pays homage to the vibrant diversity of French music, spanning from the Impressionist era to the present day. Experience the ethereal beauty and groundbreaking spirit of Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, where vivid colors come to life in this signature symphonic poem. Connesson's A Kind of Trane honors the legendary jazz icon John Coltrane, while Farrenc's Symphony No. 3 in G minor showcases her pioneering creativity, painting a rich and colorful musical tapestry. Join us for a remarkable celebration of these innovative musical contributions that have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
DeBussy
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Guillaume Connesson
A Kind of Trane
Farrenc
Symphony No. 3 in G minor
Free Pre-Concert Chat 1 hour before
These informative and engaging pre-concert talks offer fascinating insights into the music you are about to experience. Learn about the program’s cultural and historical context, along with guided listening. Additionally, there will be live interviews with guest artists, composers, and orchestra musicians! Music talks take place one hour before all Symphonic Series concerts, excluding the opening night concert. Admission is free to all ticket holders.
About the Artists
Robert Young
Robert Young has been acclaimed for his “effortless expression and a facile technique” and the “true mastery of his instrument” (The Saxophonist Magazine). Dr. Young maintains an active schedule as a soloist and educator including guest appearances at universities and colleges across the country.
His highlights include performances with the PRISM Quartet, The Crossing, Chris Potter, Ravi Coltrane, Uri Caine, Charlotte Symphony, Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Charleston (SC) Symphony Orchestra, and University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra. As a chamber musician Robert, as part of a collaboration with The Crossing, performed with the PRISM Quartet on the GRAMMY Award-winning album “Gavin Bryars: The Fifth Century” (available on ECM Recordings). As an active soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Young has been invited as a featured concerto soloist at the XVIII World Saxophone Congress (Zagreb, Croatia) and the 2020 North American Saxophone Alliance conference (Tempe, Arizona). In 2023 Young appeared as a concerto soloist with the United States Navy Band performing Quicksilver by Stacy Garrop.
Robert holds a teaching position at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts as the Associate Professor of Saxophone. Dr. Young’s students have received honors at several local, regional and national competitions and have been featured at several clinics and conferences throughout the country. He previously has served on the faculties of The Crane School of Music - SUNY Potsdam and Wichita State University.
Dr. Young earned his Doctor of Musical Arts (2010) and Master of Music (2008) degrees in saxophone performance from the University of Michigan where he studied with Professor Donald Sinta. At the University of Michigan, he studied jazz saxophone with Dr. Andrew Bishop and was a recipient of the Lawrence Teal Fellowship. Young received a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina (2006) in saxophone performance where he studied with Dr. Clifford Leaman.
For more information, visit http://www.robertyoungsaxophone.com.