Duo Ostinato features International Guest Artists

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music will be hosting international guest artists Philippe Geiss, saxophone, and Marija Aupy, piano, from France, appearing together as the dynamic Duo Ostinato. The concert will take place in Edge Hall on Wednesday, October 31 at 6pm.

Duo Ostinato is a collaboration in which the demands of interpretation rub shoulders with the freedom of improvisation. Created in 2015, the group has quickly developed an important reputation internationally, performing in France, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Japan and Taiwan. Marija Aupy (piano) and Philippe Geiss (saxophone), both passionate about chamber music, enrich their playing by seeking out new repertoires and creating a dialogue between musical styles. Step by step, through original works and arrangements by Philippe Geiss, they have developed a “crossover” language of their own.

As an additional treat for all involved, Duo Ostinato will be joined in the second half of the program by the UGA saxophone studio, saxophone professor Connie Frigo, and DMA conducting student Jonathan Poquette. From start to finish, the audience should “expect high energy, refreshingly accessible and fun music that will make the audience want to stand up and clap along! Philippe Geiss is an outstanding, world-class performer who will leave a lasting impression on the audience.” says Connie Frigo.

The program will feature pieces by composers ranging from Chopin to Lago to Geiss himself. Out of 11 pieces, 8 have been either arranged or fully composed by Philippe Geiss, and 7 of the 11 are making their US debuts.

“It's always a privilege to host international guest artists. It's an opportunity to hear different repertoire and different sounds from our instrument, as well as learn what we have in common.” says Connie Frigo.

A musician of international fame, Philippe Geiss gives concerts and master classes all over the world. Excelling in very diverse disciplines, he has mastered a repertoire that extends from classical to improvised music. He is in great demand as a composer with a strong catalogue ranging from solo to symphonic repertoire and currently holds the position of Professor at the Strasbourg Conservatory and the Strasbourg Superior Music Academy / Haute École des Arts du Rhin, as well as a Guest Professor at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Tokyo. Additionally, he serves as Vice-President of the International Saxophone Committee.

Originally from Serbia, Marija Aupy now lives in France and divides her time between performing and teaching. A versatile musician, she has performed as a soloist and an accompanist in numerous countries in Europe. Her interest in other art forms also allows her to collaborate with actors, painters, sommeliers, chefs, etc. and she has played for German, Serbian, Hungarian and French television and radio programs. In 2009, she created her own piano school in Strasbourg.

This concert is one to not be missed, and is free and open to the public. For more information about this concert and other events coming up, please visit the event page. Questions about the recital should be directed to Connie Frigo at cfrigo@uga.edu. For those unable to attend the performance, the concert will be live streamed at music.uga.edu/live-streaming.