Saxophonist Kahl to perform at SFA

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Saxophonist Don-Paul Kahl will present the guest recital “States of Being” at 6 p.m. Monday, March 18, in Cole Concert Hall, Wright Music Building, on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

“Each concert work explores, on its own, a different facet of being – from the poetic to the hidden monster within, from delicate moments of joy to the darkest depths of grief,” Kahl states. “In this way, the human experience is given space to be what it is without limits. It is only then that we closer understand what it is to be human.”

The program features “Zilarbizi,” for solo baritone saxophone and silent piano, by Ramon Lazkano; “Go Within,” for solo tenor saxophone and embedded speaker, by Eleni Ralli; the U.S. premiere of “Vision” (Urban Music II) for solo baritone saxophone, by Rainer Rubbert; “If in a Winter,” for solo alto saxophone and electronics, by Katarina Miljkovic; and “For Felipe M.,” for solo baritone saxophone, by Stratis Minakakis.

Kahl has performed on stages in Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and South-East Asia. He has showcased his virtuosity as a soloist with esteemed ensembles, including the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Musa Horti and the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra. A passionate advocate for contemporary music, he has premiered more than 100 new works for saxophone by established composers, contributing significantly to the evolution of modern musical expression.

In September 2021, Kahl released his debut solo album, "Go Within," on the Equilibrium Label. He is an avid clinician and gives masterclasses throughout Europe and the United States. He serves on the faculty at the Susquehanna University High School Wind Ensemble Institute in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

Admission to the concert is free. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.