Award-winning saxophonist and composer to perform at The Civic

Gunnedah Conservatorium’s exciting 2025 event program continues in March with award-winning saxophonist and composer Nick Russionello performing Air Mass at The Civic on Saturday March 22 at 7pm.

Russionello’s new show, which is touring to many regional centres as part of a National Tour, redefines the boundaries of the solo saxophone recital. This show combines extreme saxophone playing, audience generated sounds, live looping, body percussion and more.

“We are lucky to have had Nick perform in Gunnedah with us several times both as a soloist and part of ensembles. He provides such a variety of music for all audiences. This is certainly one that is not to be missed – a concert for the whole family,” said Gunnedah Conservatorium Director, Rebecca Ryan.

“We had a little insight into this show when Nick performed at the Band Hall a couple of years ago and the audience was in awe of the soundscape one person could create. Some would be familiar with how artists like Ed Sheeran use loops to create their whole sound, and this is what Nick does too. It’s great to be part of that as an audience and sometimes even help make the music.”

The audience can expect a seamless blend of lyricism and groove as Russionello’s program moves between the elegance of classical composers Telemann and Debussy to the energy of modern beatbox and Daft Punk. The concert also features the world premiere of Russoniello’s new original composition Air Mass.

Russionello is one of Australia’s leading composer-performers. He has performed as a soloist with many of Australia’s premier arts organisations including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, ABC Classic FM and Musica Viva Australia. His music for saxophone is also played regularly by saxophonists all around the world.

“I love playing in Gunnedah, I’ve visited a few times with Musica Viva and with Music in the Regions,” Russionello said. “I always find the audiences so warm and there always seems to be lots of keen musicians in that area.

“This show I going to be a lot of fun, I’m hoping to show the audiences some exciting things that they haven’t seen before.”

Tickets are $37 Adult, $32 Concession, $12 Student and $85 Families and are available at www.gunnedahconservatoirum.com.au calling the Gunnedah Conservatorium on 6742 3998 or visiting the office in the Gunnedah Town Hall.