Bringing the Saxophone Back to the Symphony

One of the most versatile saxophonists in Australia, Styles is known for his ability to seamlessly traverse musical styles and genres – a talent which will serve him well when he debuts Harrison’s latest eclectic work.

Styles is no stranger to the stage, having performed everywhere from Rome to Beijing. However, he says that premiering a brand-new work – an honour which he doesn’t take lightly – comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities.

“A work that has been played and recorded many times presents the soloist with the challenge of either reinventing the work without stepping too far away from the original score, or staying true to the score and the seminal recordings. This is an amazing artistic challenge, but for me, I sometimes can find that a little constraining. In conjunction with Holly, I’m able to input my musical interpretative ideas and present a truly unique performance. It’s freeing, but also quite daunting!”

Styles is well known as a jazz musician. He’s performed with artists such as Ben Folds, Diana Ross, Tim Minchin, Olivia Newton-John and The Manhattan Transfer. He’s also cemented himself within the classical scene after engagements with the Malaysian Philharmonic, Singapore Symphony, Western Australian Symphony and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras. While a saxophone might not be the first thing one expects to hear at the symphony, Styles is quick to point out the instrument’s orchestral roots.

“The saxophone was created as a classical instrument in the mid-1800’s and only 60+ years later did it get picked up and made famous in the emerging vaudeville and jazz styles. It is a relatively young instrument, but one of the most versatile.”

Versatility is a common theme in the work of both Styles and Harrison, and one that made them the perfect pair when it came to collaborating on this premiere. Styles received his doctorate in the interpretation, pedagogy and performance of classical, jazz and multi-genre (or ‘cross-over’) works, and currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer in Classical and Cross-Genre Saxophone Studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Harrison is known for her unique composition style that draws inspiration from funk, metal, punk, disco, prog-rock, blues, and even gospel and hip-hop.

“People talk about music that is ‘organic’ and I think for me, the blending of genres can be exactly that.” said Styles. “Holly’s work epitomises what it is to be truly organic, representing multiple styles and genres in a way that’s unique.”

As well as his role as Senior Lecturer, Styles is Head of the Honours of Music program and supervisor for Honours, Masters and PhD students at WAAPA. He has established himself as a prominent figure in music education and is always keen to encourage music students to become the next creative artists. The advice he gives to aspiring musicians is the same advice he was once given.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have learnt from some of the world’s leading classical, jazz and cross-over teachers. Each of them gave me some great advice including ‘strive to be yourself – there’s only one of you’, ‘be curious’ and ‘be open’. They are all incredibly powerful, but the one that I find the most helpful and challenging is to look to do one thing each year that I’ve never done before. This means I keep growing as a performer, I remain curious, and I find out more about myself and my artistic expression.”

When asked what part of the concerto he’s most looking forward to performing, Styles struggled to pick just one – noting that, because of Harrison’s brilliant writing, the piece is “all so good!”.

Join WASO, Harrison and Styles at Symphonie Fantastique for the world premiere performances of Superhighway.

Symphonie Fantastique
9 & 10 August, Perth Concert Hall
Tickets on sale now.

Holly Harrison's Saxophone Concerto commissioned for WASO by Geoff Stearn.