Review by William Chan
The Macau Band Directors Association (MBDA) hosted an enthralling Saxophone Exchange Concert yesterday evening, featuring the S’way Saxophone Ensemble and the association’s Saxophone Ensemble at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM).
The S’way Saxophone Ensemble consists of local saxophonist Timothy Sun’s students from the Diocesan Boys’ School. Their repertoire included saxophone quintets and sonatas.
A standout performance was their interpretation of “Parfum du Verre” (“Perfume of Glass”) as a quintet. Despite the challenge of maintaining distinctiveness in a saxophone ensemble – since blending sounds is easier compared to a woodwind quintet due to the similar characteristics of differently sized saxophones – the ensemble managed to present a captivating performance. They successfully navigated the delicate balance between solos and ensemble playing in “Parfum du Verre”, bringing out the richness of their instruments while also giving each other space for solos. Their evident enjoyment and effective communication added to the overall liveliness of the performance.
In the second half of the concert, Timothy Sun’s solo performance on both the alto and baritone saxophones in the piece “City” with the Macau Band Directors Association Saxophone Ensemble, conducted by Hugo Loi, stole the show. Sun’s masterful interpretation of the intricate composition, along with his display of astonishing techniques, showcased the contrasting tonal qualities of the two saxophones. The piece was further enhanced by a well-coordinated percussion section, creating a tight musical piece that kept the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next note. This combination of skilled performance and audience engagement made the Saxophone Exchange Concert a night to remember.
The Macau Post Daily published an interview with Sun on March 15, and with Loi on June 15 last year.
The Macau Band Directors Association Saxophone Ensemble will also be performing alongside some Hong Kong saxophonists at the Hong Kong International Saxophone Symposium Concert 2023 next Tuesday night at the Hong Kong Arts Centre.
For more information, visit: https://www.urbtix.hk/event-detail/10365/.
This photo taken yesterday shows the quintet from the S’way Saxophone Ensemble performing the piece Parfum du Verre at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM). – Photo: William Chan
