Music at BLICKWINKEL

The newly built district and neighbourhood meeting place BLICKWINKEL in Meschede (NRW) has been open since the beginning of the year. The district cultural center has its own function room and park-like outdoor facilities. A number of music-loving neighbours and music teachers (with an international background) of the Hochsauerlandkreis music school live in the area. The idea is to join these musical forces into an intercultural concert for everyone as part of the European Folk Day.

Graham M. Ellis formed his first saxophone quartet in 1984. The group evolved from within the ranks of the Hochsauerland Wind Orchestra (Germany) after a highly successful concert tour of England and Scotland in July of that year. Since inception, the quartet has grown in musical stature having entertained audiences throughout Europe. In addition to their enthusiastic following throughout Sauerland, they have played many concert performances in various places in Germany including Berlin and Munich and they have enjoyed return visits to England, Scotland and Ireland

This talented group has thrilled audiences with their particular brand of good humour and with their entertaining approach to so called ‘serious’ music. They carry a colourful repertoire and have the ability to adapt the style to fit the occasion, hence the title ‘Chameleon’.

As a saxophone teacher, Graham Ellis has always encouraged his students to strive for the highest possible level of musicianship by exploring the full range of their chosen instrument via the medium of challenging orchestrations. However, in performance, the accent is on enjoyment and informality. Despite the obvious technical demands of the classical items and the collective sense of satisfaction derived, this happy and gifted group is as much ‘at home’ playing swing, ballads and popular songs.

John S.M. Ellis MBE

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