i Prélude
ii Fugue
iii Forlane
iv Rigaudon
v Menuet
vi Toccata
Le Tombeau de Couperin (The Grave of Couperin) is a suite for solo piano by Maurice Ravel, composed between 1914 and 1917. The piece is in six movements, based on those of a traditional Baroque suite. Each movement is dedicated to the memory of a friend of the composer (or in one case, two brothers) who had died fighting in World War I. Ravel also produced an orchestral version of the work in 1919, although this omitted two of the original movements.
i Gaguenardise, ii Cantilène, iii Sérénade comique
Jean Françaix’s Petit quatuor pour saxophones (1935) is a witty, 8-minute, three-movement work for SATB saxophone quartet, renowned for its technical elegance, lighthearted nature, and neo-classical style. It is a standard, challenging repertoire piece.
i Allegretto, ii Slowly, iii Allegro
Commissioned by The Apollo Saxophone Quartet of Manchester, England, highlights in this contemporary, concert ‘opus’ include several short, exposed solos for all, a full-length alto cadenza near the end of the slow second movement, and a fast-paced finale for an unforgettable finish. Drawing from his vast experience as a performing artist, Mintzer’s writing for Saxophones is truly idiomatic and wonderfully adventurous.
Nigel started out as a guitar player, swiftly changing to flute, and then discovered the clarinet and saxophone; since then he's never been sure if he is a flute player who plays the sax, or a sax player who plays the flute!
Versa Winds (Wind ensemble)
Versa Winds is a vibrant and versatile multi-instrumental quartet made up of four dynamic young musicians: Louisa Kataria, Lydia Cochrane, Alex Dani and Ethan Townsend.
Originally the Aeonia Quartet, they formed in 2021 while studying saxophone at the Royal College of Music in London. All trained in jazz and classical music, they specialize in saxophone, clarinet, and flute, allowing them to explore a wide range of styles. In July 2024, the group received an RCM Accelerate Award, funding their rebrand as Versa Winds and supporting their vision to become a cross-genre, multi-instrumental chamber group. They have since performed at venues including the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall, King’s Place London, St James’ Piccadilly, St Bride’s Fleet Street, and for the Wimbledon International Music Festival and Bloomsbury Festival and Dawkes Music. They are looking forward to collaborating with DEAL Music and Arts Festival in July 2026.
Versa Winds are committed ambassadors for inspiring the next generation of musicians through their ‘Education Workshop’ Series. They believe their versatility and expertise in multiple genres speaks to children and young people to spark a love of music.
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