Electric Dawn Album Tour

Electric Dawn is the new project (released in November 2015 on Sospiro Records) from award winning British saxophonist Alastair Penman.

Electric Dawn is the new project (released in November 2015 on Sospiro Records) from award winning British saxophonist Alastair Penman, which is supported by the City Music Foundation and produced by legendary saxophonist John Harle. Hailed as a “pioneering instrumentalist and writer, Alastair Penman’s exciting new album, Electric Dawn, explores the fusion of saxophone and electronics, creating rich soundscapes and haunting melodies as well as showcasing his explosive technique.

Alongside Alastair’s own compositions are new works written for the project by Jenni Watson, Geoff Sheil and Daniel Harle, and new arrangements of works by Graham Fitkin and Marius Neset. Critics have praised the playing as “exemplary”, “diamond-sharp, tonally burnished and singing free” and recognised that “each piece had a perfection of its own”, creating a “cohesive and triumphantly experimental debut”. Whilst the material is loosely based within a contemporary classical framework, it also draws on influences from jazz, folk and even dance music, which Alastair brings together within his unique sound-world.

Having studied Information and Computer Engineering at the University of Cambridge before studying Saxophone at the Royal Northern College of Music, Alastair is perfectly placed to explore the fusion of the saxophone with live electronics as he extends the instrument’s musical palette, allowing the electronic effects to augment and extend the acoustic instrument and reveal a rich and vibrant sound-world.

Although classically trained, Alastair enjoys exploring many musical worlds; such influences can be heard in his compositions and performances, which often transcend genre definition.

As a soloist, Alastair has performed at venues including Milton Court Concert Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trinity and St Catharine’s College Chapels (Cambridge), The Forge, and the Concert Hall and Carole Nash Recital Room at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has also made numerous concerto appearances, including opening the 2012 Wycombe Arts Festival. Alastair has been a guest recitalist both at the RNCM and Canterbury Christ Church University Saxophone Days, presenting material from his debut album, Electric Dawn.

Alastair’s talents have been recognised with awards from the City Music Foundation, Countess of Munster Musical Trust, RNCM (Fewkes and Harwood Scholarships) and St. Catharine’s College. Alastair has also been a finalist in the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe and RNCM Gold Medal Competitions.

http://www.electricdawn.co.uk / http://www.alastairpenman.co.uk

Free parking is available in Senate House; the entrance is on Jorissen Street, Braamfontein

Cost
Full price = R80.00; discount price = R55.00 (students, pensioners and Wits staff). Tickets are available at the door. Full price = R85.00; discount price = R60.00 (students, pensioners and Wits staff). 

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