'Of Sax and Spirituals' with Anders Paulsson October 23, 2011

The Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valley's premier chorus, will offer the region a unique opportunity to experience the music of internationally-known Swedish soprano saxophonist and composer, Anders Paulsson who will share his new arrangements of favorite American spirituals as he accompanies the Chorale in its season opener. Joining the Chorale is the Las Positas College Chamber Choir and San Francisco Concert Chorale.

The Chorale's Artistic Director John Emory Bush met Paulsson in Copenhagen three years ago at the International Federation of Choral Music Festival and explains his excitement about having this talented musician perform for the season's opening performance.

"We are so excited about this opportunity to share Anders Paulsson's incredible talent with the local community," says Director John Emory Bush. "He will accompany the chorale as we perform his new arrangements of several well-known American spirituals, including the world-premiere of his arrangement of O When the Saints Come Marching In. After meeting Paulsson and hearing his music, I knew we needed to bring him to the Tri-Valley, and he enthusiastically accepted the invitation."

The melodic sounds of the soprano saxophone became well-known thanks in part to the pop music of Kenny G in the 1990s, and Paulsson has taken that sound and adapted it to compositions for choral music set to beloved spirituals like Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen and Deep River for the October performance.

"Paulsson's choral arrangements of the spirituals, which he will accompany, provide rich and complex harmonies, creating a completely new experience for the audience, as if hearing the songs for the first time," adds Bush. "These beautiful arrangements will move you, maybe to tears, as the choristers that are preparing for the program will agree. It's truly a treat for the choral groups to perform and I promise it will be the same for the audiences."

Official Website: http://www.valleyconcertchorale.org/