LA Phil appearance with John Adams

Playing as a member of the orchestra as a saxophone player is always a special experience. Since saxophone does not have a regular seat in the orchestra, we are considered as “subs” that gets called in when a piece requires the saxophone. Walt Disney Concert Hall has always been a special place for me, as I have dreamed about playing in this hall since I was an undergrad at UCLA watching my teacher, Douglas Masek walk onto that majestic stage and sat with the ensemble. I always knew that as long as I am in Los Angeles and to be recognized as a classical saxophone player, performing with this orchestra was one of the gigs I needed to be called for. I still clearly remember the day I was first called to play with the LA Phil. The conductor was Principal Guest Conductor, Susanna Mälkki, and it was Bernd Alois Zimmerman’s Concerto for Cello “en forme de pas de trois” (U.S. premiere) which required a soprano saxophone.

This time I was extremely fortunate to have worked with composer, John Adams for the LA Phil New Music Group with John Adams concert on March 15th, 2023 as part of his 75th birth year celebration . He conducted the piece that I performed in, Katherine YOUNG Spores (world premiere, LA Phil commission) which had a very interesting concept of sound, utilizing some extended techniques and improvising. The underlying electronic music going in and out with the instrumental music almost reminded me of the 1960s experimental music of its time. It was my second time working with John Adams, and he is always a pleasant gentleman, full of great stories and it is always so nice to work with him. I am looking forward to playing his City Noir (2013) and his Saxophone Concerto (2013), hopefully in the near future.