Nick Russoniello redefines boundaries with his limitless virtuosity on the saxophone. He combines lyricism, inventiveness, daring and unbelievable breath control—all topped off with panache and a sense of fun!

Limelight Magazine
"An exceptional performer and soloist - you almost have to laugh in astonishment at some of what he delivers, and it’s gripping when he joins forces..."

And join forces, he will!

HMCollective's Artistic Director, Myee Clohessy, has grabbed Nick in the middle of his nationwide 'Air Mass' tour for a unique one-off concert at our stunning Bowral Memorial Hall.

Together, they have created 'Blue is the Air', which combines breathtaking music written for saxophone and strings. Opening with 'Blue Silence' for string quartet, Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin wants her son to experience the sound of silence instead of the voices in his head. Nick Russoniello's 'Air Mass' takes us on a journey exploring the baritone saxophone's deep dark notes to the glorious high register of the alto sax, played over audience-generated sounds, loop pedals, body percussion, and much more. To add some Chick Corea charm into the mix are six quirky miniatures from his whimsical 'Children's Songs' album, cleverly arranged for saxophone and string quartet by Ian Stewart and Australia's Julie Simmonds.

This is one concert you don't want to miss!

Program
Elena Kats-Chernin - Blue Silence
Nick Russoniello - Air Mass
Chick Corea - Children's Songs

Highlands Music Collective
Myee Clohessy, violin
Kate Malone, violin
Rachel Miller, viola
Catherine Barnett, cello
EventPro, light design

Nick Russoniello
You name it, he's done it!
This highly accomplished and dynamic saxophonist, composer, ensemble leader, and educator has appeared as a soloist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra and Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra.

Nick has won the ABC Symphony Australian Young Performer of the Year Award and the Fine Music Kruger Scholarship and was a finalist for the Australian Freedman Fellowship. Nick has appeared at the Sydney Festival, the Royal College of Music (London), Musica Viva Australia, ABC Classic FM, Conservatorio di Milano (Italy), Strasbourg Cité De La Musique (France), and the Australian Digital Concert Hall.

In 2015, Nick performed at the Bowral Autumn Music Festival with the Acacia Quartet at the invitation of Myee Clohessy, the festival's Artistic Director from 2015 - 2023.

We proudly support Australian composers Nick Russoniello and Elena Kats-Chernin.

N.B. Doors will open at 5:40 pm.

You'll be welcomed with complimentary wine and nibbles before the concert starts at 6:30 pm.
Concert duration approx. 70 mins.

Highlands Music Collective is grateful for Creative Partnerships Australia's support through the Australian Cultural Fund.

We also thank our corporate sponsor, Highlands General Practice, our generous Tier Donors and Friends of HMCollective, and our kind volunteers.