From Subito Music September 2022
“Roberto Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra is an electrifying work.” As the Chicago Sinfonietta’s performances of Sierra’s concerto approach, soloist Julian Velasco shares his enthusiasm about his upcoming concerts. Originally commissioned by the Detroit Symphony for internationally renowned saxophonist James Carter, Sierra’s 23-minute score blends classical and jazz elements, and highlights the virtuoso possibilities of both the soprano and tenor saxophones. The Detroit Symphony premiered the concerto in 2002 led by its then-music director Neeme Järvi, and reprised it the following season. The Chicago Sinfonietta’s concerts will take place on September 17 and 19, conducted by music director Mei-Ann Chen.
Velasco continues. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to share Roberto Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones with such an incredible orchestra! When I was asked to perform with the Chicago Sinfonietta, Sierra’s work was something I was very excited to pitch. This concerto asks a lot of the soloist as it requires them to pull upon classical and jazz musical traditions, often switching on a dime throughout the work. As a musician who was raised within these two realms, I find that Roberto blends the different aspects of the instruments’ sonic possibilities in a way that feels incredibly authentic, unique, and captivating. This piece is incredibly unique in that it was written for the great Detroit Jazz saxophone legend James Carter and Sierra gives a good amount of freedom to the performer to even improvise throughout the work!
