Akari Saxophone Quartet - St Heliers

The New Zealand Saxophone Society, in collaboration with the Australasian Saxophone Collective, are thrilled to present the Akari Saxophone Quartet. Akari are the tutors for the 2024 New Zealand Classical Saxophone Summer School, being held in New Plymouth,Taranaki. The international lineup includes some of the top players in Australasia. Niels Bijl (soprano saxophone), originally from the Netherlands now living in Melbourne, was a member of the famous Aurelia Saxophone Quartet as well as a regular guest with all of the top Dutch symphony orchestras. Simon Brew (tenor saxophone) and Michael Jamieson (baritone saxophone) are both New Zealanders who have returned after extensive international study and performing careers. Japanese saxophonist Tomomi Johnston (alto saxophone) now lives in Auckland and has an extremely busy teaching and performing schedule around New Zealand.

The quartet is an initiative of the Australasian Saxophone Collective and is excited to present a stunning concert of love and loss. The programme is centred around one of the greatest love stories ever told - Romeo and Juliet, and will of course include music from the most famous musical interpretations of the tragic story, as well as some surprises... and Four Baritone saxophones!