Flourishing new Harborough orchestra wrap up their second recording on video

The Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra octet are (top row, left to right): Jane Smith (alto sax), Jonathan Shaw (bass and contrabass sax), Liz Pearce (baritone sax); middle row: Helen Jones (sopranino sax), Stephen Bashforth and Anne Hanson (tenor sax); bottom row: Doris Schierer (soprano sax), Kathy Davison (alto sax).

A flourishing new Harborough orchestra have just wrapped up their second recording – and captured the performance live on video.

Eight members of the 16-strong Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra have recorded an arrangement of Haydn’s 39th Symphony.

The well-known work features all seven of the different types of sax played by the superb local musicians.

They range from the tiny sopranino through the more commonly seen soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones to the huge bass sax and truly enormous contrabass.

The symphony was written by Haydn in 1768, originally for strings, two oboes, four horns and a bassoon.

It has been arranged for saxophones by the orchestra’s bass sax player Jonathan Shaw.

Formed in January 2020, Phoenix are thrilled that Doris Schierer, one of two new virtual members to have joined during the lockdown, has taken part in the project.

“I saw the orchestra’s first recording project online and, having watched it, I really wanted to be part of the group,” said Doris.

“It was great to have a project to work on during lockdown.

“Now, having met my fellow players on the video session, I can't wait to get to know everyone in person, just as soon as we’re able to meet for rehearsals!”

You can watch and enjoy the video on the orchestra’s website at www.phoenixsax.org.uk/haydn and also on their Youtube channel (search for ‘Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra’).