Arctic Saxophone is the second album where Ola Asdahl Rokkones (b. 1983) premieres three new classical saxophone concertos commissioned by him. The album title Arctic Saxophone is not only a reference to his hometown Tromsø, but also to the three composers on this recording that all have some link to the Arctic. The two Norwegian composers Alexander Aarøen and Terje Bjørklund both originate from Northern Norway, and the Russian composer Alexander Manotskov caught his inspiration from the Russian city of Arkhangelsk.

Together with Arktisk Filharmoni and conductor Per Kristian Skalstad, we explore three different approaches to the delicate combination of alto saxophone and string orchestra. The Heart, It Soars (2019) by Alexander Aaroen (b. 1993) easily reaches the listener with recognisable melodies and themes, and is a joyful ode to life and love. Seven Portraits (2011) by Alexander Manotskov (b. 1972), is a playful concerto with constantly shifting characters through the seven brief movements, all named after the seven archangels of the Orthodox Church. Manotskov investigates almost all possible timbres and possibilities of the saxophone, such as in the sixth movement Raphael (track 9) where the saxophone is played without mouthpiece while the orchestra is challenged to play inversely. Terje Bjørklund (b. 1945) is an internationally renowned composer, and has also been a key person in developing the Norwegian jazz scene. In his work Arctic Lines (2020) we get a blend of elements from the modern Scandinavian jazz tradition, and influences from Sámi music as well as Vivaldi and contemporary Baltic composers.

As the saxophone was invented too late to be embraced by the most famous classical composers, it has been even more important to challenge living composers to write new music for the instrument. Through his increasing discography, Ola Asdahl Rokkones is sincerely following up his responsibility. He has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras, and has commissioned and premiered music by numerous composers. He is also one of few saxophonists working within the fields of both classical music and jazz.