The ECCS was well represented this year at the 15th World Saxophone Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. Allison Balcetis, saxophonist and ECCS member, was chosen to perform in several concerts at this conference, held once every three years anywhere in the world.

As a soloist Allison performed the world première of ECCS fellow member Piotr Grella-Mozejko’s Balcetis for virtual tape and baritone saxophone.

As a member of the Anubis saxophone quartet, Allison performed the world première of Etchings for two soprano and two tenor saxophones by Mikel Kuehn (professor at Bowling Green State University and head of the Mid-American Center for Contemporary Music), as well as Claudio Gabriele’s Shift Shaf.

Participating in an ensemble of North American saxophonists, directed by Jean-Michel Goury (professor at the Conservatoire de Boulogne-Billancourt in Paris), Allison played pieces by Gabriele, Kuehn, Steve Reich, Francisco Guerrero, Robert Lemay, and Bernard Carlosema.

Also representing Edmonton, Alberta were Dr William Street, a member of the planning committee and member of the Quatuor International, and Po-Yuan Ku, member of the Composition 7 saxophone quartet and doctoral student at the University of Alberta.

The World Saxophone Congress took place July 7-12 and had an attendance of more than 500 saxophonists, vendors, and composers from all over the world. The fact that the Congress took place in Asia gave a rare opportunity to show the talent and pieces of Asian saxophonists and composers who could not normally attend these types of conferences because they are frequently held in Europe or North America.  A large portion of the pieces played were world premières.  Allison was able to attend the conference with the support of the World Saxophone Congress’ scholarship fund and the University of Alberta Department of Music.

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