If you have never heard a classical saxophone quartet before, you’re not alone.
The combination of four saxophones, each a different size, pitch and tone, is not a common feature of the classical music landscape.
This October, Geelong music lovers will get the chance to hear from one of Australia’s premier saxophone quartets when Windfire Festival presents AXES Quartet.
Local saxophonist Shannon Ebeling, who is one fourth of the internationally renowned saxophone ensemble, said it was “a treat” to be able to perform with AXES in his home town.
“People are used to hearing saxophone as a solo instrument, or a little feature here and there, but (the saxophone quartet) has a really proud tradition as a chamber ensemble,” Ebeling said.
“It actually works, I think, as one of the best combinations of sounds, akin to that of a string quartet.”
The AXES Quartet’s concert A Harmonious Journey through Time will conclude the 16th annual Windfire Festival, which runs from October 3 to 12.
Presented by Music at the Basilica, the festival gives local audiences the opportunity to hear a diverse range of classical music, bringing together the very best musicians from Geelong and across the country.
This year’s musical feast includes Vox Angelica Geelong Chamber Choir, world class baroque flautist Greg Dikmans, string ensemble Trio Océanique and the Australian Boys Choir.
Ebeling, who grew up in Colac but has lived in Geelong for the last 14 years, said Windfire was an “outstanding” example of how “Geelong can really punch above its weight artistically”.
“People often think there’s not much happening regionally, but Geelong has an amazing music scene, and Windfire has always brought a really wide range of performance styles and genres and musicians,” he said.
“There’s always something interesting – the average punter can always find something to engage with, be inspired by or have an emotional pull towards.
“And there’s something you get from live music performance that you just can’t get streaming or listening to in the background. Being there in the room as part of that moment is a really special experience that Windfire provides.”
AXES Quartet is at Basilica of St Mary of the Angels at 4pm on Sunday, October 12. Visit musicatthebasilica.org.au/music-festival for tickets and the full program.
