2 Valleys Stage presents flute and saxophone duo

The 2 Valleys Stage Performing Arts Series is preparing for their next guest artist residency, a flute and saxophone duo called The Awea Duo. They will present a community concert in the Seeley-Swan High School auditorium Oct. 21 at 3 p.m.

Jennifer Cooper and Masahito Sugihara share a passion for chamber music and enjoy a productive and exciting musical partnership. The Awea Duo is committed to promoting music for the flute and saxophone. They will perform some classical works as well as pieces transcribed (music rewritten to accommodate a different instrumentation than it was intended for) for the flute and saxophone. In addition, they will play works specially commissioned for the Duo.

One such composer is Lei Liang who commented on the Awea Duo's performance of his work: "Thank you for such a beautiful and soulful rendering of my duet 'Lake'! It is breathtaking to listen to the two of you perform with extraordinary sensitivity, blending into a seamlessly singular voice."

Another composer, Joseph Sowa wrote: "With playing that's full of life and energy, the Awea Duo is exciting to listen to."

Formed in summer 2012, Awea Duo has performed in Brazil, Canada and across the U.S. at multiple universities and conferences including the National Flute Association Convention, NASA Regional and National Conferences, and Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium. They are recognized for their lyricism, energy, fine balance and variety of colors.

Cooper lives in Missoula where she is the visiting Professor of Flute at the University of Montana, as well as the Executive Director of the International Choral Festival. Sugihara is the Associate Professor of Saxophone at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas and also an avid arranger of music, transcribing a wide range of music compositions for flute/saxophone, reed quartet, saxophone duo, saxophone quartet and larger saxophone ensembles. Awea Duo is particularly committed to expanding the available literature for the unique combination of flute and saxophone, while having a great time working and performing together!

Tickets will be on sale for the Awea Duo community concert at the event ($14/$12 for seniors). Still a bargain, 2 Valleys Stage season tickets also are available for purchase ($50/$40 seniors). Children under 18 are free with an adult. We hope to see you there!