International artists Douglas Masek and Neal Stulberg to tour South Africa as part of the South African National Saxophone Symposium 2018.

The Los Angeles-based duo sets off in a few weeks for South African shores, performing an extensive tour centered around the South African National Saxophone Symposium, hosted annually by the South African Saxophone Society. Masek and Stulberg are leaders in their respective fields and are both internationally acclaimed soloists. Invited to perform in South Africa by founder of the South African Saxophone Society Matthew Lombard, the duo will present rarely heard selections from the concert saxophone repertory in major cities around the country.

The program will include music by well-known composers like Astor Piazzolla and David Heath, and even South African composer Allan Stephenson. This inclusion is no accident, as Masek is no stranger to South African shores, having toured extensively throughout the country during his career. The relationship he has built with composers in South Africa is a significant driving force behind the reach South African saxophone music has acquired internationally.

In addition to performances around the country, the duo will perform mini-recitals and present workshops and masterclasses for students associated with the South African National Saxophone Symposium, currently in its fourth year. The Symposium, initiated in 2014 by Matthew Lombard and Karendra Devroop, provides music enrichment to musicians of all levels, reaching participants from primary school age through adulthood, varying in skill level from absolute beginner to professional. The impact of international artist like Masek is long-lasting, as evidenced by testimonials from past participants of the annual event.

National Tour Schedule:

Thursday, 19 July 2018, 19:30:  University of North-West Potchefstroom Campus Concert Series: Conservatory Hall.

Sunday, 22 July 2018, 16:00: University of South Africa Music Foundation Concert Series, Enoch Sontonga Hall, Pretoria.

Saturday, 28 July 2018, 20:00: Stellenbosch University, Endler Concert Series, Endler Hall, Stellenbosch. (Tickets for R60 (regular) and R40 (students and pensioners) are available now through Computicket and at the door.) 

Tuesday, 31 July 2018, 19:30: University of Free State Concert Series, Odeion Concert Hall, Bloemfontein.

For more information about the South African National Saxophone Symposium, visit www.saxophonesociety.org

For more information about the Stellenbosch concert, contact Fiona Grayer at concerts@sun.ac.za or 021 808 2358.