Alice Morgan x Ronan Apcar
Artists
ALICE MORGAN saxophone
RONAN APCAR piano
In High Spirits
Firebrand pianist Ronan Apcar and trailblazing saxophonist Alice Morgan join forces in a program that celebrates joy and ebullience.
Spanning a vast spectrum of repertoire ranging from film music to ragtime to jazz, the pair highlight their virtuosity in a showcase of music full of rhythmic vitality and vivid musical colours.
PROGRAM
George GERSHWIN Three Preludes (arr. soprano saxophone and piano) (1926)
Alice CHANCE Lift Off
Jennifer HIGDON Selections from Poetic Soprano Sax (2019)
Thomas MEADOWCROFT Old Rags (2015)
Paul STANHOPE phoSpheric Variations (1998)
John WILLIAMS Escapades (from Catch Me If You Can) (2003)
Judy BAILEY Colours of My Dream (1976)
About the Artists
Alice Morgan and Ronan Apcar are two of Australia’s most diverse and exploratory young musicians, brought together by a composer's vision to write a piece for the pair to play together. They combine virtuosity with lyrical beauty in the unique sound world of saxophone and piano, bringing a technical prowess and artistic openness to their collaborations. Alice and Ronan are an audience's delight with their imaginative programming, drawing on all corners of music in unexpected ways, whether it be performing music for film, improvising jazz, or premiering new contemporary works.
Alice Morgan is a Sydney/Eora-based saxophonist and musician recognised for her vibrant artistry and unwavering commitment to contemporary live performance. From classical to experimental, her passion for music shapes her dynamic work as a performer. Her performance experience spans across genres: from orchestral solos with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, to tours in eclectic chamber ensembles across NSW and Tasmania, to playing in rock bands in sell-out performances with acclaimed Australian artists such as RUEL. With performances described as “sublime, full of colour and life” (Stuart Greenbaum), Alice is known for championing Australian music, having premiered and recorded works by many of Australia’s leading composers. Alongside her performance career she proudly works not only as a regular performer-producer but also a founding member of the acclaimed chamber orchestra Ensemble Apex.
Ronan Apcar is a pianist and composer with a reputation of versatility, edge, and tenacity. Unafraid to experiment and challenge norms, his experience and fluency across all kinds of music – jazz to the avant-garde, classical to house music – translates into his exciting work as a musician. Described as "a talent far beyond his age" (Limelight Magazine) and “a force to be reckoned with” (ClassikON), Ronan’s musicmaking spans a diverse set of practices including performing, composing, arranging, improvising, curating, and collaborating. Using the full range of the piano as well as synthesisers, effects pedals, and drum machines, he is known for bold programming, advocacy for contemporary and new (particularly Australian) music and navigates a diverse career as a musician in concerts, festivals, and projects across metropolitan and regional NSW, Victoria, and the ACT.
We would be very comfortable presenting workshops built around each of our individual practices, including masterclasses with student performers of any variety. Having both worked regularly with composers, we would also be happy to present workshops exploring compositional styles and what creates a great piece, drawing from the pieces in our program and the adaptations we have made. Additionally, we are comfortable with Q&A sessions before/after the performance and would happily present these ourselves or with different hosts.
February-March, May, October
Grand piano (tuned), adjustable stool and a music stand