PROGRAM REVIEWS
PROGRAM REVIEWS for the individual concerts will be posted here as they become available.
KENARI QUARTET, JANUARY 28. 2024
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the Chamber Music Society of Utica presented our third concert of the season featuring the outstanding, all-saxophone Kenari Quartet. The performance took place at Munson, 310 Genesee Street, Utica, New York.
The program included a wide variety of contemporary and classic pieces by Guillermo Logo, Joel Love, Jennifer Higdon, Johann Sebastian Bach and Bela Bartok. The repertoire was creative and engaging and produced all the wonderful sounds, timbres and dynamics seemingly available to this grouping of soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones.
The quartet’s technical flair and velocity was truly amazing and equally matched by the supreme musicianship of each of the performers. CMSU had billed this concert as one that would brighten the dark days of January - and indeed, the Kenari shone like a beacon of light!
Special thanks to our co-sponsors, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Menotti.
Anita Humer
Professional pianist, accompanist and piano teacher
former staff pianist at Colgate University
Serves on boards of CMSU, the Leschetizky Piano Organization, NYC
and the Monday Evening Music Club of Norwich NY
AND FROM OUR AUDIENCE
Gigi Baas–
As ever, it was a thrill to watch a well practiced ensemble do what they did best, communicating with glances and shrugs. With this group, I got the impression that the musicians were playing one instrument, seamlessly transitioning from one voice to the next. . . I was so impressed by the physicality of their playing, and it was clear that they were having a very good time. . . I even enjoyed the pieces that for me were perhaps a little opaque. It was like being bombarded by unfamiliar but compelling sound. And wasn’t the Bach simply sublime?
John H. Orr–
From the initial rhythmic outbursts of Dutch composer Guillermo Lago’s “Ciudades” to the final strains of Bela Bartok’s Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm, the Kenari Saxophone Quartet’s blended sound was a delightful surprise of virtuosic intensity. This experience was anything but your run-of-the-mill chamber concert. J.S. Bach’s Italian Concerto never sounded so distinctive!
Patricia Hoffman–
My friend and I have been season ticket holders for several years and have never been disappointed in each year’s performances. On the way to Sunday’s concert we admitted that we were quite curious about a saxophone quartet, having never heard or attended one. To say we were pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. From outstanding musicianship to the selection of new and “old” pieces, it was outstanding in every way. The Munson auditorium was packed - a fitting tribute to those who choose the performances!
Sarah Palmer–
My family and I had the privilege of attending the Kenari Saxophone Quartet concert last weekend at the Chamber Music Society of Utica. What an amazing show! The musicians brought such energy to the stage and portrayed so much expression through their music. They were truly an inspiration to the younger generation. We throughly enjoyed the show!