Award-winning piano-saxophone team Euan Stevenson and Konrad Wiszniewski’s New Focus: The Classical Connection gives fascinating insights into the relationship between classical music and jazz.
In this superb, informal presentation two of the UK’s leading jazz musicians improvise a Bach-style reinvention of a well-known standard and an arrangement of the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s theme tune, Take the A Train in the style of a Mozart sonata, among other delights.
As well as being a superb pianist, Stevenson is a composer who has premiered works on both sides of the Atlantic and whose recent commissions include an arrangement of the Ukrainian national anthem for renowned violin virtuoso Pinchas Zukerman and the English Chamber Orchestra. He is also the co-composer, arranger and pianist with the multi-award-winning singer, Georgia Cecile.
Saxophonist Wiszniewski is one of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s star soloists and twice winner of the Best Instrumentalist title at the Scottish Jazz Awards. His improvisations are always potent, soulful and exciting and have led to him being in-demand as a session player across a range of styles including pop, soul, folk and jazz. Away from New Focus and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra he features with the current Jazz FM favourites Mama Terra.
In The Classical Connection, Stevenson and Wiszniewski move between styles with consummate ease. You’ll discover why romantic composers like Chopin, Rachmaninov and Duke Ellington all loved the same key. Learn why Miles Davis and Eric Satie were kindred spirits and hear brilliantly performed jazz standards and original compositions from Stevenson and Wiszniewski’s acclaimed New Focus albums for the Whirlwind label.
“They are both musicians with an instinctive desire to communicate. Not only was the verbal explanation kept short and pithy, but the musical points were always very succinctly made. The audience went home royally entertained, and probably a little better educated as well.” – Keith Bruce, The Herald
“This was a really terrific evening, very much enjoyed by our Festival audience. It goes without saying that Euan and Konrad are both superb musicians but, in addition to that, the idea of The Classical Connection worked wonderfully well for our mixed audience of those well-versed in the world of jazz and those just looking for a great night out. It was funny yet informative, was presented with great warmth and wit, and showcased breath-taking improvisations whilst remaining accessible to all.” - Damian Thantrey, Lichfield Festival
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Fife, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Fife? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Head to Forgan’s and experience one of our unforgettable Saturday night ceilidhs, just don’t forget your dancing shoes!
READ MOREBe part of a night like no other as we bring you the concert you’ve been dreaming of! The ultimate celebration of one the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage – Queen.
READ MOREKnown for their powerful vocals, rich harmonies, and fresh arrangements, Onóir is putting a new spin on traditional Irish music. Catch them when they play the Adam Smith Theatre on 19th September!
READ MOREDon't miss Jim Borrows when he performs a selection of songs from his new album 'Carry Me Back to My Old Front Door' on Saturday, 20th September at Crail Community Hall.
READ MOREDon't miss the excellent Stevie McCrorie when he returns to PJ Molloys on Saturday 20th September!
READ MOREThe biggest and best 60's show touring the UK, returns to Rothes Halls on Thursday 25th September 2025!
READ MOREThe Broadway and West End phenomenon, Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into The Lochgelly Centre in September 2025!
READ MOREBuddy Holly and the Cricketers return to The Byre Theatre St Andrews on Friday 26th September to bring us a night of infectious energy and signature 1950’s rockabilly sounds!
READ MOREBen Portsmouth, crowned Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2012, brings one of the best Elvis tributes to the Alhambra Theatre!
READ MORE