Founded in 2014, the Protégé Saxophone Ensemble is a semi-professional arts group based in Singapore that performs solo and ensemble saxophone works annually. Comprising of both amateur and professional saxophonists who are passionate about performing saxophone music, Protégé was originally a collective of saxophone students under the tutelage of Mr. Leslie Wong.
The Band Post speaks to Marc Yee and Keith Kok about their upcoming concert on 27 December at the Esplanade Recital Studio.
What’s so special about this year’s concert?
This year’s concert is particularly special because we are featuring 4 of our ensemble members for the concert, showcasing the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones.
It is a monumental occasion, marking the 10th anniversary of our ensemble’s formation and celebrating our ongoing commitment to promoting all things saxophone.
What are some repertoire that audience should look forward to hearing? Will there be any solo works?
Audiences can look forward to an exciting and diverse repertoire in our upcoming performance. Highlights include Four Pictures from New York by Robert Molinelli, featuring our talented soloists Huang Ruiyao, Marc Yee, Keith Kok, and Yang Zongao, accompanied by the Protégé Saxophone Ensemble.
We’re thrilled to present the Singapore premiere of E-sarn by Kitti Kuremanee, a dynamic work written for double saxophone quartet that promises to captivate with its unique soundscapes.
Additionally, 7th Night of July by Itaru Sakai, arranged for saxophone sextet by Tetsuya Watanabe, offers a fresh interpretation of a beloved tune, reimagined in a new way.
How does it feel to be part of an ensemble that is instrumental in bringing together the saxophone community? What are some ways that you think the community can be closer?
Being part of this ensemble is incredibly gratifying, as it allows us to unite people through a shared passion for playing the saxophone. It also fosters the growth of the saxophone community by providing a platform for musicians to come together, perform, and connect.
To strengthen this community, organizing more events tailored to saxophonists of all levels is essential. These events not only support lifelong learning but also create opportunities for socializing and building lasting relationships within the saxophone world.
Hence be on the lookout for more saxophone related events in the future!
What other projects does protégé has for 2025?
Protégé has an exciting lineup of projects planned for 2025, showcasing their artistry on international stages and contributing to music education.
The ensemble will perform in Vietnam, as well as Wuhan, Changsha, and Shenzhen in China, bringing their music to audiences across the region.
We will also be performing at the Asia Pacific Saxophone Academy in Bangkok, Thailand, and represent Singapore at the prestigious World Saxophone Congress in Harbin, China.
On the educational front, Protégé will kick off the year with an outreach initiative during the Singapore International Saxophone Summit Conference and Competition (SISSCC) in January. This event will feature workshops led by renowned faculty from Japan, Korea, the United States, and China, offering invaluable learning opportunities for Singaporean musicians and students from the region.
Additionally, SISSCC will spotlight Singapore’s own rising saxophone faculty, including Luo Tianze, Johann Koh, Tan Yunqu, Danielle Ong, and Yang Zongao.
Protégé in Concert
Friday, 27 December 2024
Esplanade Recital Studio, 7.30pm