The Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra from Leicestershire is heading to the Isle of Wight for a musical tour running from June 27 to June 30, featuring a series of collaborative and solo performances.
During their stay, the orchestra will team up with the Island’s own Wight Sax choir for several joint concerts. The collaboration promises a dynamic blend of local and visiting musical talent.
Stephen Bashforth, chairman of the Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra, shared his excitement: “We’re very much looking forward to visiting the Isle of Wight and to performing with Wight Sax. We play a wide range of music and this will be our second concert tour since Phoenix was formed.”
Joint concerts are scheduled at Bembridge Village Hall on June 28 and Newport Minster on June 29. Both performances will begin at 7pm. Admission is free and guests can enjoy refreshments, with a retiring collection also available.
The Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra consists of 17 musicians playing six different types of saxophones, including the rarely seen bass saxophone.
In addition to the evening concerts, the orchestra will also perform a lunchtime concert in St Thomas’ Square, Newport, on June 28. On June 29, they will appear at Rylstone Bandstand in Shanklin from 2pm to 3pm.
Phoenix gained national recognition when they were nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society award in 2021, marking them as a notable ensemble in the UK’s musical landscape.
