Alastair Penman launches album with Borealis Saxophone Quartet

September 30, 2014

Alongside his innovative work as a soloist, CMF Artist Alastair Penman is soprano saxophonist with the award winning Borealis Saxophone Quartet. The quartet is entering an exciting new stage in their career with the release of their debut album, The North, and an upcoming tour of Serbia. Recently the quartet has built its profile by winning countless awards, performing live on Radio 3 from the BBC Proms Festival, being named RNCM Ensemble of the Year 2013 and Park Lane Group Young Artists 2014/15, and premiering new works at St John’s Smith Square and Kings Place. The quartet is dedicated to commissioning and performing new music and this is the focus of the album, which contains eight world premiere recordings. The title track of the album is a stunning new work by Gary Carpenter, but the disc also makes room for talented young composers including Tom Harrold and Lucy Pankhurst. (The latter’s composition includes a string orchestra, conducted by Leo Geyer). The quartet will be launching The North with a special performance at The Forge, Camden on Tuesday 7^th October 2014.

Prior to the UK launch of The North the quartet is delighted to be touring the album across Serbia, with evening recitals in Belgrade, Pancevo and Novi Sad (to be recorded for Radio Novi Sad), a performance at the International Workshop on Future Linear Colliders, and a private performance by invitation of the European Union Ambassador to Serbia. The quartet will also be running workshops and will work with students from the Music Academy in Belgrade. The quartet is very grateful to have been introduced to ambassadorial contacts in Serbia who have worked alongside members of the British Council Arts team to make this tour a reality!

Future UK dates include a lunchtime recital at the Royal Festival Hall on 7^th November and an evening recital in the Purcell Room on 6^th January 2015 as part of the Park Lane Group Series. (Also watch out for the PLG Concert on 7^th January 2015 featuring CMF Artists Kaleidoscope Saxophone Quartet and Foyle-Stsura Duo)

For more information about the Borealis Saxophone Quartet, to view the album preview or to pre-order The North: http://www.borealissaxophonequartet.com

To purchase tickets for the album launch at The Forge: https://uk.patronbase.com/_Forge/Productions/2L/Performances

For more information about Alastair’s personal activities: http://www.alastairpenman.co.uk