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SMR 100:
Sigurd Rascher Centennial Celebration
November 10-11, 2007
PLEASE CHECK BACK
OFTEN ... INFORMATION WILL BE UPDATED AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
Site last updated 10/07/07.
Click
HERE for Registration Form
Please click on links at left for details about schedule of events, performing artists, hotel information and more.
Questions about this event may be directed to Dr. Wildy Zumwalt: Wildy.Zumwalt@fredonia.edu
The year 2007 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great artist and saxophonist Sigurd Rascher (1907-2001). After an early start in Germany as a clarinetist, Rascher switched to the saxophone and thus began an unparalleled career as a concert artist on that instrument - an audacious choice for that time, to say the least. Along with many other artists, Rascher fled the Nazis, eventually settling in New York state and resuming an active performance career in the US. As he liked to put it, "I am an American by choice."
In addition to countless musical performances with most of the major orchestras in the world, Sigurd Rascher presented thousands of recitals in cities, towns, and on college campuses throughout the United States. He also inspired hundreds of composers to create new works for the saxophone, single-handedly building an international repertoire for the instrument. His output also included workshops and clinics, publications and articles promoting the role of the saxophone as an instrument worthy of serious study. Rascher was a dedicated teacher and became a role model for many american educators and an inspiration for young music teachers. Throughout his life he was an ardent advocate for the saxophone and he continued to ponder the unanswered questions he found fascinating until his death in 2001.
In recognition of the prodigious accomplishments of Sigurd Rascher, the State University of New York at Fredonia will host a Centennial Celebration of his life on November 10 and 11, 2007. Musical performances of some of the major concerti written for and dedicated to Sigurd Rascher will be performed with The Western New York Chamber Orchestra by some of his former students. Other performances by The Rascher Saxophone Quartet, as well as many others who benefitted from Mr. Rascher's teaching and example will be presented. Talks by those who knew him, including his daughter, Carina, as well as displays of instruments and manuscripts and photos from the SMR Archives at Fredonia will be a part of this celebration.
All information is subject to change.
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