The Austin Saxophone Ensemble celebrates our Deep Roots live onstage at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 25th. From works that capture the essence and majesty of trees, to pieces that reflect our own artistic foundation, this program symbolizes and honors the influences that have shaped our ensemble.

The program includes the exciting regional premiere of the saxophone and percussion ensemble arrangement of Deciduous, co-commissioned by the Austin Saxophone Ensemble—an evocative work that reflects both the natural cycle of trees and composer Viet Cuong’s personal journey of healing after the loss of his father. Alongside it, Marc Mellits’ Splinter unfolds in a series of vivid, interconnected miniatures, weaving individual instrumental lines as leaves and branches into a richly textured musical “tree,” where each movement grows from the distinct character and energy of a unique tree species.

Steven Bryant’s Radiant Joy, performed in our very first season 12 years ago, returns as a vibrant reminder of where we began, while The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Sax Mad! by Nigel Wood pays tribute to the late saxophone professor Harvey Pittel, whose teaching and mentorship inspired the creation of our group. The program also features a graceful Valse by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky alongside these dynamic contemporary works.

Join the Austin Saxophone Ensemble on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 8134 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 ($15 students), and kids under 10 get in free!