HMCollective presents 'Blue is the Air'

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, grabbed Nick during 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', combining breathtaking music for saxophone and strings. 

Opening with 'Blue Silence' for string quartet by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin, her music seeks the calming sound of silence for her son, who is troubled by voices in his head. This will be followed by Nick Russoniello's own 'Air Mass', which explores the deep, dark tones of the baritone saxophone, through to the glorious high registers of the soprano saxophone. Russoniello will weave his magic with loop pedals, mixing audience-generated sounds, body percussion and extended techniques for his instrument. To add some 'blues' to the air, local violinists Myee Clohessy and Kate Malone, violist Rachel Miller and cellist Catherine Barnett will join Russoniello for seven whimsical 'Children's Songs' by Chick Corea. These delightful miniatures, originally written for piano, have been masterfully arranged for saxophone and string quartet by Ian Stewart and Australia's Julie Simonds, highlighting the extraordinary genius of Chick Corea.

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 prestigious ABC Symphony Young Performer of the Year, the Fine Music Kruger Scholarship and was finalist in 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 Cite De La Musique  (France), and the Australian Digital Concert Hall. In 2015, Russoniello performed at the Bowral Autumn Music Festival with the Acacia Quartet at the invitation of Myee Clohessy, the festival's former Artistic Director from 2015 - 2023.

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

N.B. Doors will open at 5:45 pm.

You will be welcomed with complimentary wine and nibbles before the concert starts at 6.30 pm.
Concert duration is approximately  70 minutes. 

For further information about Highlands Music Collective, visit:
www.hmcollective.com.au

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.