On Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Church, St. Philip’s Friends of Music presents the Weiss/Soflin Duo: Michael Weiss, saxophonist and Elizabeth Soflin, percussionist.

Formed in 2012, the Weiss/Soflin Duo is dedicated to exploring the wide variety of music available for percussion and saxophone, ranging from soft lyricism to unrelenting ferocity. This concert will feature music for four types of saxophone — soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone — and a plethora of percussion instruments. The program will include works spanning many musical styles: North Indian raga, contemporary classical music, jazz and pop-influenced works. Also included on the program is a world premiere of a new piece for saxophone and percussion duo by up-and-coming composer and University of Arizona alum Frederick Evans.

The suggested concert admission is $20 per person. The mission of Friends of Music is to enrich the musical experience of the parish and community through events such as concerts, outreach, education, scholarships, commissions, and support of special musical events.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot or under our solar parking structure on the east side. For more information click here or call (520) 222-7277.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Elizabeth Soflin’s past performances have included appearances as a soloist and ensemble member at venues around the United States, Canada, China, and Europe. An avid performer of contemporary solo and chamber works for percussion, her recent collaborations with composers have included an adaptation of Christopher Adlerâs’ I Want to Believe, the premiere of Matthew Burtner’s Six EcoAcoustic Extensions, and private study with Stuart Saunders Smith. Before beginning DMA studies at the UA, Elizabeth earned a master’s degree in percussion from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She also holds a Bachelor degree in Percussion Performance from Central Michigan University. In 2015 she appeared in solo recital at the Tucson Museum of Art as part of the museum’s START program for young professionals in the arts, and as a solo guest artist at Northern Arizona University. She is currently the assistant band director/percussion specialist at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy in Oro Valley and works as a freelance musician in the Tucson area.

Michael Weiss is a saxophonist originally from Chicago, now working out of Tucson. He is versed on the alto, tenor, baritone and soprano saxophones — as well as flute and clarinet — in the jazz, classical, salsa and rock idioms. Classical saxophone has always been the backbone of Michael’s studies. While becoming familiar with the standard solo repertoire, he has also had the opportunity to premiere ensemble pieces like David Maslanka’s 9th Symphony and to perform with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Michael holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Arizona, where he studied with Kelland Thomas