Princeton Symphony Orchestra Presents 'Why the Saxophone?', 10/5

On Wednesday, October 5 at 7 pm, in partnership with the Princeton Public Library, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents the first event in its annual Soundtracks series: "Why the Saxophone?" in the library's Community Room. PSO Music Director Rossen Milanov and Manager of Operations Bryan McNamara discuss the saxophone's unusual role as an orchestral instrument. Together, they will briefly explore a history of the orchestral saxophone, focusing closely on Alban Berg's use of the instrument in his Violin Concerto "To the Memory of an Angel." Mr. McNamara will also demonstrate the instrument's sonic and stylistic versatility. There will be an opportunity for audience questions about the saxophone and the music associated with it.

Rossen Milanov has led the Princeton Symphony Orchestra since 2009. He is also at the helm of the Columbus Symphony, the Chautauqua Symphony, and the Orquesta Sinf?nica del Principado de Asturias in Oviedo, Spain. At the PSO, his programming embraces the standard repertoire, rarities, and premieres performed by emerging and superstar soloists and featuring celebrated American composers. Mr. Milanov is deeply committed to music education, each season leading the PSO's BRAVO concerts for thousands of children. He was named Bulgaria's Musician of the Year in 2005; he won a 2011 ASCAP award for adventurous programming at the PSO; and he was selected as one of the top 100 most influential people in New Jersey in 2014. He is a graduate of Curtis and The Juilliard School.

Bryan McNamara is manager of operations with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. He earned master's degrees in saxophone performance and arts administration from Florida State University, where he studied the instrument with Patrick Meighan. Favorite performances include chamber ensemble performances at the World Saxophone Congress XVI in St. Andrews, Scotland and the Florida State University Festival of New Music, and a recital in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall with Singularity, the quartet he co-founded in 2013. Singularity will perform on the PSO Chamber Series at the Institute for Advanced Study in December.

Soundtracks is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. Alban Berg's Violin Concerto will be performed at the orchestra's October 9 Viennese Reflections concert at Richardson Auditorium; tickets available at princetonsymphony.org.

CALENDAR LISTING

Wednesday, October 5 at 7pm - Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO), in partnership with the Princeton Public Library, presents Soundtracks: "Why the Saxophone?" with PSO Music Director Rossen Milanov and Manager of Operations Bryan McNamara. PSO Music Director Rossen Milanov and Manager of Operations Bryan McNamara discuss and demonstrate the saxophone's unusual role as an orchestral instrument. The saxophone is used in Alban Berg's Violin Concerto "To the Memory of an Angel" which will be performed at the orchestra's Sunday, October 9 concert. Princeton Public Library Community Room, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ. Free and open to the public. Refreshments served. (609) 497-0020; princetonsymphony.org.

ABOUT THE PRINCETON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is a cultural centerpiece of the Princeton community and one of New Jersey's finest music organizations, a position established through performances of beloved masterworks, innovative music by living composers, and an extensive network of educational programs offered to area students free of charge. Led by Music Director Rossen Milanov, the PSO presents orchestral, pops, and chamber music programs of the highest artistic quality, supported by lectures and related events that supplement the concert experience. Through PSO BRAVO!, the orchestra produces wide-reaching and impactful education programs in partnership with local schools and arts organizations that culminate in students attending their first live orchestral performance. With considerable community support and funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the PSO is also a multiple-year recipient of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts' highest honors. The PSO has been recognized for its commitment to new music with an ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and a Copland Fund Award. The only independent, professional orchestra to make its home in Princeton, the PSO performs at historic Richardson Auditorium on the campus of Princeton University.

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