The young saxophonist Ashu, who goes by a single name, has established an extraordinary ability to communicate with audiences around the world through his charismatic performance style. His virtuosity thrills listeners, and his artistry exhibits his unique personality and musical voice. He has repeatedly defied conventions by winning major competitions traditionally won by pianists and violinists.
Ashu began playing the saxophone at age 10 in his native state of California. He soon began entering competitions and found himself receiving a wide range of opportunities. He made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall and his concerto debut at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. Since then, solo performances have taken him to Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Portugal, West Indies, and the USA, with upcoming concerts in Russia, South Africa, Montreal, London, New Zealand, Poland, Finland, and more.
Regularly touring as a soloist with renowned orchestras throughout the USA and Europe, Ashu recently performed with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon. Critics rave that he's "Riveting, brilliant, with pizzazz to burn!" (NPR) and"just as much fun to watch as he is to listen to" (Dallas Morning News).
Ashu has a wide variety of musical interests. His concert repertoire ranges from original soprano and alto saxophone works by Ibert, Glazunov, and Debussy to his own arrangements of Piazzolla, Rachmaninoff, and Morricone.
While most people have never heard the saxophone in concert music, Ashu has begun to change this. He says, "It's really an incredible instrument. It can play with such emotional intensity, sing like a voice, and effortlessly project in the largest of halls. It's capable of a lot of really beautiful things." For a glimpse of his style, check out his website: www.ashuonline.com.
The concert will be preceded by an art show in the parish hall. Select members of the Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC), who have won numerous awards, will display paintings, monotype, photography, and stained glass works. Items from the art center’s gift shop will also be for sale, with 25% of the proceeds going to MCAC. The art exhibit runs from 6:00 p.m. until 7:15 and again at the reception after the concert. The cost for the event will be $15 general admission/$12 seniors and students, payable at the door.