If you missed the Mana Saxophone Quartet performances during the National Music Festival at Washington College these past few years, you’re missing an international caliber musical experience.
The wall-to-wall crowd at the Peoples Bank of Monday, however, proves the quartet has a large and loyal following in Chestertown, and the quartet, in its new formation, did not disappoint.
Many will recall last year’s beautiful outdoor concert at Adkins Arboretum.
This year, Diane Hunger, a tenor saxophonist from Germany, joined the group and has been playing with Michael Hernendez (soprano saxophone), Michael Mortarotti (alto saxophone) and Thomas Giles (baritone saxophone) since last October.
Hunger recently finished her doctorate at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, and currently lives in Buffalo when not touring with Mana.
“We went on a nationwide search last October to fill this position and found Diane,” says Michael Hernendez.
Asked about the Mana repertoire, Hunger says that “each composer and each genre of music has its own charm, and I enjoy them all.”
Mana Quartet was founded in 2007 at Florida State University College of Music and immediately won the Coleman International Chamber Ensemble Competition, one of the most prestigious music awards in the nation.
The Quartet also offers an intensive two-week course to saxophonists during their Chestertown residency. Private instruction, seminars and performing with the quartet or orchestral musicians teach students many important aspects of music making.
Mana is currently the Resident Chamber Ensemble at the National Music Festival which continues until June 13.
Mana’s next performance will be held at the Mainstay in Rock Hall at 3:30, Saturday, June 13th. The concert is free.
In the meantime, tonight the Festival Chamber Players will perform at St, Paul’s, Kent:
7:30pm Festival Chamber Players, Christ United Methodist Church [Pass-holders only]
Seventh Annual Phanos Dymiotis Memorial Concert
Ravel, Sonatine and Trio for Harp, Flute & Viola
Dymiotis, The Soldier’s Blues
Lizotte, Raga
Schubert, Octet
7:30pm Festival Chamber Players, St. Paul’s, Kent [Single ticket holders $10]
Brahms, Liebeslieder Waltzer, opus 52
Poulenc, Sonata for Violin & Piano
Anthony Plog, Animal Ditties
Schumann, Piano Quintet in E-flat, opus 44
For tickets and information, go here.
Here are a few moments from The Peoples Bank performance.
Jodie Littleton says
A great piece highlighting an absolutely wonderful group of performers. One small correction: Mana’s next performance is this FRIDAY at Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely at 4 p.m. The group will perform in the Arboretum forest, echoing and building on last year’s beautiful program. There will be wine, light fare…and it’s free!
Mary McCoy says
On Friday, June 12 at 4:00, Mana Saxophone Quartet will present “Forest Music,” a magical, improvisatory event in the Adkins Arboretum forest, followed by a concert adjacent to the Visitor’s Center. This is a free event sponsored by the National Music Festival and Adkins Arboretum. More information: https://adkins.donorshops.com/product/MANA612/forestmusicjune12.php