January 29, 31

City Hall Theatre

The critically-acclaimed Italian Saxophone Quartet makes its Bermuda Festival debut this evening (January 29) with the first of two City Hall theatre performances, beginning at 8 p.m.

Hailed as an outstanding quartet, its members are: Marco Gerboni (alto sax), Mario Marzi (tenor sax), Massimo Mazzoni (baritone sax) and Federico Mondelci (soprano sax).

The blend of instruments produces a unique fusion which is at once sensuous and rich, and puts the listener on notice almost immediately that the combination of sounds is special indeed.

Because of the unity and spectrum of sound, the Quartet is able to play a wide variety of original compositions and saxophone transcriptions with exhilarating bravura.

Their repertoire includes classical music, as well as various forms of contemporary music transcribed especially for them.

This includes ragtime, jazz and blues, and an evening's performance might include works written by such diverse composers as Bach, Gerschwin and Scott Joplin, among compositions old and new.

The Quartet is especially noted for its lack of 'solemnity', and its lively music and interpretation of the classics with marked vigour is what holds audiences spellbound.

The Quartet was formed in 1982, and brought together four of the most established soloists in their field.

Although it is a collaboration of equals, Mr. Mondelci has established himself as one of the leading saxophonists of his generation.

It has won many prizes, and performs extensively throughout Europe, the Far East, Russia and the United States.

For further/ticket information visit website www.bermudafestival.org, the Festival box office next to the ferry terminal on Front Street (tel. 296-5774) or see today's Bermuda Calendar.