Aylesbury Lunchtime Music presents

Samsara Duo

13 November 2025

Starts: 12:45pm, Doors: 12:15pm

Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

ÂŁ7 adults on the door (<18s & carers free)

Sarah Minelli and Mario Marzi

Programme

Samsara is committed to inspire the creation of new repertoire for our unusual flute/saxophone duo. Therefore, the programme includes pieces written especially for them, with a world premiere and a UK premiere.

  • c 1200

    Beata Viscera for flute and saxophone (Pérotin)

    This work Beata Viscera was written around 1200 and celebrates the mystery of the Virgin Mary. It was sung during a Mass celebrated for the Virgin Mary and translates as ‘O blessed womb’. It has been arranged for flute and saxophone.

  • Two part inventions, BWV797 No. 11 & BWV777 No. 6 (Bach)

    i No. 11 BWV797, ii No. 6 BWV777

    The Inventions and Sinfonias, BWV 772–801, also known as the Two- and Three-Part Inventions, are a collection of thirty short keyboard compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): 15 inventions, which are two-part contrapuntal pieces, and 15 sinfonias, which are three-part contrapuntal pieces. They were originally written as Praeambula and Fantasiae in the Klavierbüchlein für Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, a clavier-booklet for his eldest son, and later rewritten as musical exercises for his students.

  • Two Lines (Bryars)

    “Two Lines” is a composition by English composer Gavin Bryars for two recorders (tenor and bass) which has been arranged for flute and alto saxophone. Written in 2007 at the request of performers Peter Bowman and Kathryn Bennets to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the piece is a response to J.S. Bach’s “Two-Part Inventions”.

  • Somewhere at 7.20pm (Fensi)

    This piece was written for Sara Minelli who premiered it in April 2024. The piece incorporates a traditional lullaby from Tuscany into the bass flute. Sara sings and plays at the same time!

  • 1927-1996

    O Great Spirit (Mulligan)

    “O Great Spirit” is a song composed by the jazz musician Gerry Mulligan near the end of his life. He never recorded it but it was later recorded by artists like the Bud Shank Quartet.

  • 1979-

    Eco-Stress (Han)

    Eco-Stress by Jinhee Han was composed in 2020 for the Samsara Duo. This is the world premiere. The piece is about climate change with elements representing soil, nature and the sky.

  • Shadows on Snow (Causton)

    Richard Causton’s piece was commissioned with the support of Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust. It is about a snowfall. Composed in 2021, this is the UK premiere.

Performers

  • Samsara Duo

    Flute/Saxophone Duo

    Exceptionally talented flautist Sarah Minelli joins with the legendary saxophonist Mario Marzi to form the Samsara Duo
    Read More

Key information for concert goers

When

Every Thursday at 12:45pm (except August & over Christmas). Performances last around 60 minutes. Please enter quietly as there is a noon service in the Lady Chapel.

How much?

Entry is ÂŁ7 per adult (card or cash), under 18s and carers are free. The price includes a programme. Donations are welcomed to subsidise the larger ensembles.

Where?

Performances are at St Mary’s Church in the heart of Aylesbury Old Town. See directions for further details.

Do I need to book?

No, just turn up. Doors open at 12:15 pm. Make sure you arrive in good time to get a seat.

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