New Focus Octet
Konrad Wiszniewski saxophones
Euan Stevenson piano
Andrew Robb bass
Alyn Cosker drums
The Glasgow String Quartet
Nicola Wiszniewska flute
Alina Bzhezhinska harp
This concert is presented as part of the BIGGAR LITTLE FESTIVAL of THE FIVE ARTS
PROGRAMME
A lyrical collaboration of Jazz Quartet and String Quartet with Harp, in a programme of rich arrangements, memorable themes, and a unique mix of classical and folk.
The second New Focus album released in August 2016 has been quietly picking up some very favourable reviews for its unusual blend of classical, jazz, and Scottish Folk. This original music was written by Euan Stevenson and Konrad Wiszniewski for jazz quartet, string quartet, woodwind and harp.
The Guardian said: "the mix of the strings' elegance, flickers of tango, blues and Celtic folk-music, the fluency of the soloists, and the controlled power of Janisch and Cosker in the rhythm section mostly make this a very musical set in its sometimes swoonily, low-lit way”.
"The inspiration is sax legend Stan Getz's famous 1961 album Focus, and the comparably tender-toned Wiszniewski and gracefully grooving Stevenson have written a set of appropriately lyrical originals, with the band likewise augmented by strings ensemble and harp." The Guardian
"Luscious moments as jazz quartet and string quartet entwine...a highly organic and lyrical collaboration"
The Scotsman ****
All Dates
- 23 October 2017 08:00 PM
Latest Updates
As we near the end of this season, we are well on the way through booking the 2026-27 season, with a good range of inspiring concerts. Look forward to seeing you there again or for the first time, all welcome.
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