Prepare yourself for a performance that completely defies tradition! On Sunday, October 4th at 2:00 PM, the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre is hosting Pianosaxos featuring Roger Admiral & The Edmonton Saxophone Quartet. This extraordinary concert sits at the thrilling, unexpected intersection of funk, jazz, and classical mastery—offering a sonic journey unlike anything else on our season lineup.
Whether you join us in person at the Cargill Theatre or tune in from the comfort of your home via our high-definition livestream, this is an afternoon of virtuosic musicianship you won’t want to miss.
A Bold New Premiere: The Resonant Power of Lower-Range Saxophones
At the heart of the afternoon is a brand-new quintet composed specifically for this ensemble by acclaimed Alberta composer Howard Bashaw. Originally from White Rock, B.C., and a long-time faculty member at the University of Alberta’s Department of Music, Bashaw is renowned across Canada for his virtuosic, broadly contemporary, and deeply expressive compositions. Having received commissions from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and CBC Radio, Bashaw’s signature style pushes acoustic instruments to their absolute limits.
This new piece was crafted to showcase the rich, resonant power of the lower-range saxophones—including the rare, floor-shaking growl of the bass saxophone. Performed by the Edmonton Saxophone Quartet alongside celebrated local pianist Roger Admiral, this premiere promises to be an intoxicating, avant-garde highlight for music lovers.
Gershwin’s Syncopated Soul & Modern Masterpieces
To balance the bold contemporary premiere, Roger Admiral will serenade the audience with the timeless, syncopated soul of George Gershwin’s solo piano classics.
Born in Brooklyn in 1898 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Gershwin transformed American music by bridging the gap between classical symphonic structures and the vibrant, popular nuances of jazz. From his early days as a song plugger in Tin Pan Alley pounding out tunes for sheet-music buyers, to composing historic masterpieces like Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, An American in Paris, and Porgy and Bess, Gershwin’s innate melodic genius revolutionized 20th-century music. His syncopated rhythms, blue notes, and jazz-infused harmonies remain deeply beloved worldwide. Hearing Admiral interpret these iconic piano selections offers a perfect, soulful contrast to the ensemble works.
Rounding out the program, the Edmonton Saxophone Quartet will also perform captivating modern compositions by Emma O’Halloran and Guillermo Lago, displaying the full emotional range and versatility of the saxophone family.
Can’t Make It in Person? Watch Live with 72-Hour Access!
We know life gets busy, or you might be joining us from outside the Camrose area. That’s why we are thrilled to offer a Digital Livestream Ticket for Pianosaxos!
When you purchase a livestream ticket, you don’t just get real-time access to the concert on October 4th—you also receive full 72-hour access to the recording link (starting the day of the show). That means if you can’t watch live at 2:00 PM, or if you want to rewatch your favorite Gershwin solo or Bashaw movement over the weekend, you can stream the entire performance at your convenience from any smart device!
Event & Ticket Summary
- 📅 Date & Time: Sunday, October 4 | 2:00 PM (MDT)
- 📍 Venue: Cargill Theatre | Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre
- 💻 Digital Pass: Includes live stream + 72-hour replay access!
- 🎟️ Tickets: camroselive.ca | Box Office: (780) 608-2922
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness classical precision, jazz improvisation, and cutting-edge Canadian composition come together on one stage!