Alan Hovhaness’s remarkable legacy of 67 symphonies and hundreds of other works stands as a testimony to one of the most individual musical voices of the 20th century.

Written when Hovhaness was 25, the Prelude and Quadruple Fugue represents not only his mastery of counterpoint but in its sweeping climactic form is also one of his most exciting works. The Soprano Saxophone Concerto is like a melodic tone poem or aria, and considered the most Romantic concerto Hovhaness ever wrote.

“Inspired by the wonders and mysteries of astronomy” and appearing here in its première recording, the Symphony No.48 ‘Vision of Andromeda’ expresses the vastness of this galaxy through giant melodies, shimmering orchestral colours and a transcendent apotheosis.

Internationally recognized for his innovative programming and extensive catalogue of recordings, American conductor Gerard Schwarz serves as music director of the All-Star Orchestra and the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra and is conductor laureate of the Seattle Symphony. In his nearly five decades as a respected classical musician and conductor, Schwarz has received hundreds of honours and accolades, including Emmy Awards, Grammy nominations, ASCAP Awards and the Ditson Conductor’s Award.

Greg Banaszak, one of today’s leading saxophonists, has performed with orchestras and in concert halls throughout the world. He serves as a voting member for the annual Grammy Awards ceremony and is currently on the faculties of the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory, the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University.