Beethoven in Blue
In this program, the Ellipsos Quartet weaves connections between Beethoven and Gershwin. A transition between classicism and romanticism for one, between classical and jazz for the other, the importance of rhythm and lyricism: these are as many bridges that can easily be built between these two monuments of music.
Pavanes AND pas de deux
The pavane, a dance of Spanish origin, has inspired many composers such as Ravel and Fauré. In this program, the Ellipsos Quartet invites the listener to feel the compelling rhythms found in the music of Bernstein and Albéniz, where passion and technique meet.
3 VOICES, 1 BREATH
In this program, the Ellipsos Quartet pays tribute to three women composers with singular worlds: Clara Schumann, Fernande Decruck and Karen Street. Three women, three eras, three styles of writing, united by the same desire to create music that is personal, free and expressive.
At the heart of this journey, Johann Sebastian Bach appears as a guiding thread. His contrapuntal writing, his mastery of form and his sense of movement resonate through the works of Clara Schumann and Fernande Decruck, while Karen Street extends this dialogue with a contemporary style nourished by multiple influences.
100% Bach
From the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor to the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, this program reveals the many faces of Johann Sebastian Bach: virtuosic, spiritual, dance-like and deeply contrapuntal.
Through the richness of its timbres and the fusion of its four voices, the saxophone quartet uncannily evokes the colors and power of the organ, Bach’s emblematic instrument. Concertos, fugues, aria and chorale take on a new dimension, in a subtle dialogue between fidelity to the original writing and sonic reinvention.
A timeless Bach, carried by the breath of the Ellipsos Quartet.
Sax & Gospel II
When the saxophone quartet meets the energy of gospel, the music becomes a true celebration! For this revival of Sax & Gospel, which drew more than 50,000 people, the Ellipsos Quartet has updated this program, built around energetic and festive music, from Baroque works by Bach and Vierne to Gospel. Featured at the biggest music festivals, it is often chosen as the closing concert… or the opening one!
COLLABORATIONS
Symphonic Stories
(with Marie-Josèphe JUDE and/or Jean-Frédéric NEUBURGER and/or Charles HEISSER)
The Ellipsos Quartet tells us a familiar story through four emblematic works rooted in the collective unconscious: Carmen, The Nutcracker, West Side Story and Rhapsody in Blue. Like a reduced orchestra, in a chamber music spirit, the quartet invites three great pianists and delivers luminous arrangements that reflect the countless timbres of the saxophones combined with the sound of the piano.
Rhapsody IN BLUE
(with Eric LE SAGE)
Throughout his life, Gershwin blended the European classical heritage with American popular culture. In this program, Eric Le Sage invites the Ellipsos Quartet to bring its bright, warm colors to this repertoire, highlighting its original connection with the world of jazz.
FUSION
(with Thierry ESCAICH)
The Ellipsos Quartet and Thierry Escaich continue the tradition of marrying the saxophone and the organ, two instruments not as far apart as they seem, for a concert of sumptuous sonorities: a fusion of great sensual and musical intensity. A fascinating encounter where hits by Bach, Vivaldi and Piazzolla stand alongside improvisations and original works by Escaich.
Bohemian Rhapsodies
(with William FIELDING)
Rhapsodies from every era, from Liszt to Queen by way of Gershwin and many others, with the exceptional guest appearance of the young English prodigy William Fielding. A program that revolutionizes the image of the organ and brings together an exceptionally wide audience!
Paris-Broadway
(with Jean-Baptiste ROBIN and Tatiana PROBST)
Conceived by Bruno Maurel, artistic director of the Printemps des Orgues
From Ravel to Gershwin, from Messager to Bernstein, French operetta and American musical comedy answer each other in a brilliant journey through the 20th century, between elegance, swing and lyricism. This creation brings together soprano Tatiana Probst, the Ellipsos Quartet and organist Jean-Baptiste Robin in a unique ensemble, in the service of a repertoire transfigured by original arrangements. At the crossroads of virtuosity and emotion, Paris-Broadway embodies a celebration of total performance.
Symphony Orchestra
Works performed: A Dream for Artemis by Fabien Waksman, Concerto by Jean Martinon, Concerto by Philip Glass
Wind Band
Works performed: Spotlights by Thomas Doss, United Colors of Saxophone by Philippe Geiss, Sir Patrick by Philippe Geiss, Concerto by Bill Holcombe
Prières
(with Inès Halimi)
What if we listened to a prayer, but with our eyes open? Inès Halimi offers you a suspended moment between the sacred and the profane, words and sounds, voice and breath. Her Prayers intertwine Mozart, Verdi, Corelli and her own original compositions, interwoven with poetry. All of it for a woman's voice and a saxophone quartet. A mystical journey, raw with emotion.