The Saxophone Orchestra

Today, although it may still bew uncommon to hear a saxophone orchestra in concert, it is not at all unusual to find such groups in music colleges and institutions throughout Europe and America. Composers are often intrigued by the beauty and warmth of sound possible with a full saxophone orchestra and this has resulted in a substantial and continually growing orchestra repertoire. Having laid a solid foundation, it is the musical fantasy of the composers which will lead this instrument into the future.
The concept of a larger saxophone ensemble is nearly older than the saxophone itself. The first work for such a group was written in 1844 by the french composer and music historian Georges Kastner (1810-1867) with the title Sextuor. It is a part of the first saxophone method book, written by Kastner, probably at the suggestion of his friend Adolphe Sax. The first important figure responsible for the development of a serious approach to saxophone-playing in Germany was Gustav Bumcke (1876-1963). Through publications in the french press of 1902, Bumcke became interested in founding a saxophone chamber orchestra which lasted many years. But the political situation in the Germany of the 1930s set an end to Bumcke's musical endeavours. Another saxophone pionier of that time, Sigurd M. Raschèr, decided to leave Germany for the same reasons and to continue his musical activities around the world from the USA. His work as a soloist as well as a music pedagogue, especially within summer courses at various universities, led him to take up again the idea of a large saxophone ensemble.
Out of this tradition, Linda Bangs founded The South German Saxophone Chamber Orchestra in 1990. From its beginnings, the orchestra has been rather unique in the musical world and the USA, especially by the use of instruments and mouthpieces following the original acoustical designs of Adolphe Sax. It is this extraordinary quality of sound that sparked the interest of many composers, such as A. Bloch, M. Maros, C.W. Smith and H. Stadlmair. This cooperation with the composers resulted both in concert tours to the USA, Poland, Switzerland and the Netherlads as well as in radio broadcasts and CD recordings. Furtermore the South German Saxophone Chamber Orchestra performs at numerous music festivals and official events.

Friends and supporters of the South German Chamber Orchestra Association

Would you like to become a member of the Orchestra Assocation ? You can receive information from Mr. Willi Fischer, chairman of this organization. The Association is recognized as being of cultural benefit to Europe's cultural life and is therefore tax exempt. It is authorized to issue a certificate of contribution.

Information concerning membership in the Association as well as concert activities can be obtained from the following addresses:

Association Chairman
Willi Fischer
Ortsstrasse 1b
69221 Dossenheim
0049 6221 866515
W.Fischer@saxophonorchester.de

Artistic Director
Linda Bangs
In der Hohl 16
64367 Mühltal
0049 6151 597243
L.Bangs@saxophonorchester.de