Zahara

Psathas’ second concerto for saxophone and orchestra is inspired by the harrowing story of 19th century sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of the Sahara desert, captured by nomads, and sold into slavery. In the four movements of this dark-hued and thrilling work, a virtuosically ornamented but always lyrical solo part unfolds over mysteriously remote and luminous harmonies and the propulsive, driving rhythmic build-ups for which Psathas is well known. Zahara was written for and premiered by Federico Mondelci, a leading exponent of contemporary saxophone repertoire.