Biography
Saxofollia is a chamber ensemble that has been active since 1993 and is recognized as one of the most prolific and original groups in the italian music scene.
It's a group of saxophones which performs exclusively a capella, with a unique ability to exploit the infinite timbral and dynamic nuances of this wonderful wind instrument.
Winner of first prize at 8 national and international competitions, Saxofollia is a musical group with numerous facets that is constantly engaged in the search for new musical horizons, making versatility its best characteristic.
Saxofollia is capable of interpreting and reinventing classical repertoires such as the Baroque, Romantic period, and opera, as well as immersing themselves in jazz atmospheres, from bebop to contemporary jazz, through compositions and arrangements specifically written to highlight the different characteristics of individual musicians, thus guaranteeing a unique and exciting experience for the audience.
Engaged in intense concert activity, Saxofollia has performed in prestigious contexts including Concerti in Campidoglio, Casa del Jazz (Rome), Festival Internazionale del Saxofono, Ente Concerti Pesaro, Teatro Binario 7 di Monza, Teatro Rossini, Teatro U. Giordano, Festival Villa Solomei, Festival Jazz in’It, Concerti di Cortile Mercato Vecchio, Festival Verdi, Concerti in Villa-Circolo Culturale Bellunese, Concerti dell’accademia filarmonica di Messina, Capri Inn Jazz, Arte Musica Roana, Vittoria Jazz Festival, and the 14th World Saxophone Congress (Ljubliana).
The members of Saxofollia collaborate with prestigious symphony orchestras such as La Fenice di Venezia, C. Felice di Genova, Filarmonica della Scala di Milano, Arena di Verona, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Orchestra Regionale Dell’Emilia Romagna, Sinfonica di Sanremo, and Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana.
Firmly convinced of the artistic maturation that accompanies every musical encounter, they have more than 20 discographic and concert projects to their credit with numerous international soloists and performers.
They have also released numerous albums, including Omaggio a J. Françaix, Like Strings, On The Reed, Vissi D'arte, Into the Trumpet, Estate, Voice on Air, Incontri and Portraits, available on all major digital platforms. Recently, some of their tracks have entered the "iTunes Top 100 Chart" of the best-selling and most listened to in countries such as the USA, Canada, and Japan.
FEATURING
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
I am glad that Gerry's music continues to inspire you to keep the passion for beautiful music alive as you are doing, and I wish you every success.
From time to time, one comes across disks which have difficulty in justifying their existence. This is definitely not the case with "On the Reed": the Saxofollia Quartet plays with good taste, grace and elegance in a varied, attractive repertoire, aided by skilful arrangements that display the musicians' talents to excellent effect.
The disk "Like Strings", revealing the qualities of an ambitious, talented quartet, expresses the "horn's" noblest side.
Ok, wait a minute. That was...astounding. It was absolutely impeccable in every way. The group's blend, intonation and time are all beyond reproach. The rhythmic precision was exceptional and the breath control and integrity of everyone's sound show a group with a deep skill set and training. And yet it also grooved from beginning to end. I am seriously blown away! Thank you for playing my piece and sending it over for me to hear. Perhaps we can do something together at some point.
It may really seem to be an act of folly, but this form of madness is brimming with energy and enthusiasm. It is this distinctive character that delights the listener throughout the performances in "Like Strings". In an age when listening pleasure is apparently no longer an essential, hearing such a dynamic group of musicians makes one feel that all is not lost in the world of music.