Ensembles
Sound Earth Collective
Alastair co-founded Sound Earth Collective with fellow saxophonist and composer Jenni Watson to deliver emotionally engaging music and multimedia experiences that encourage us to reconnect with nature, inviting us to reconsider our actions and behaviours, on any scale
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As part of the collective, Alastair & Jenni perform as Sound Earth Duo, presenting eclectic and engaging concert performances of nature-inspired works, from classical transcriptions and unique arrangements through to their own original compositions. Performing predominantly on saxophones, flute, clarinet and piano, their programme journeys from works by Debussy and Chopin and beautiful folk melodies such as Farewell to Stromness, through to a thoughtful arrangement of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi and a virtuosic rendition of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee. A wide-ranging journey of emotion, colour and expression through an uplifting exploration and appreciation of our green earth!
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To find out more about the project visit soundearthcollective.com
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To enquire about booking the duo contact soundearthcollective@gmail.com
Alastair Penman and Jonathan Pease
Alastair performs regularly with pianist Jonathan Pease both in the UK and further afield. The duo first met whilst both studying at the University of Cambridge and enjoyed many fruitful collaborations before initially forming as a duo for performances as guest artists on a transatlantic cruise.
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Since this initial collaboration the duo has flourished, releasing their debut album Soar in 2023. This album has been described by critics as "an extended dazzling display of talent" and praised for the "tremendous playing throughout." Since its release Alastair and Jonathan have given over 20 recitals performing music from Soar and Alastair's 2024 album Quietude. You can watch a selection of the duos performances on Youtube here.
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To enquire about booking the duo contact alastair@alastairpenman.co.uk
Kaleidoscope Saxophone Quartet
Sally MacTaggart - Guy Passey - Jenni Watson - Alastair Penman
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Described by The Times as "irresistible", Kaleidoscope is an innovative collaboration between four creative young artists. The group's approach is built on the distinct creative personalities of its members, with engaging programmes blending classical and contemporary music. The quartet's work has led to multiple awards and high profile performances at venues such as the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room and Bridgewater Hall.
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The quartet's lineup features an array of artistic skills, from award-winning soloists and multi-instrumentalists to innovative composers of music ranging from classical to electronic. The quartet is committed to the creation and performance of new music, and has commissioned and premiered works from numerous talented composers including Mark Bowler (Britten Sinfonia OPUS2017) Michael Cryne (LSO Panufnik Young Composer) and Oliver Leith, whose new commission A Day at the Spa won a British Composer Award in 2016 and has been played on Radio 3.
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Find out more about the quartet at kaleidoscopesax.com
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To enquire about booking Kaleidoscope contact alastair@alastairpenman.co.uk
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Borealis Saxophone Quartet
“A cast-iron rule is to play every piece as if you really, really love it. The Borealis Saxophone Quartet played ball impeccably.” - The Times
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The Borealis Saxophone Quartet is an award-winning chamber ensemble comprised of musicians who have studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the University of Cambridge. Praised for their “superb technique and style” (Planet Hugill) and “great skill” (Classical Source), the quartet has performed at venues including the Royal Festival Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Purcell Room, Kings Place, and St John’s Smith Square.
The quartet has made numerous television and radio appearances, most notably including a BBC Proms broadcast for Radio 3, and an appearance on ‘Good Morning Belgrade’ whilst on tour in Serbia. Most recently the quartet was selected as BBC Introducing Artists and gave a live performance and interview on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ programme.
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Find out more on the quartet website.
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To enquire about booking the quartet contact alastair@alastairpenman.co.uk