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Music by the Lake to Host Premier Swedish Saxophone Artist July 26
7/10/2009
AURORA, Ill. — Johan Stengård, the premier saxophone artist of Sweden, will play pop favorites, jazz standards and original compositions at George Williams College of Aurora University's ninth annual Music by the Lake series on Sunday, July 26, at 4 p.m.
Performances are held in The Ferro Pavilion at George Williams College, on the shores of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wis.
The Stengård performance, the second of two events in the Special Concerts series, is the inaugural Jazz Café.
Stengård, with 17 completed solo albums and appearances on more than 400 recordings, hundreds of television and live shows with some of the "greats" of the industry, swings like an American when playing jazz and pop standards.
The first choice artist of the King and Queen of Sweden, this versatile musician is in demand from Thailand to Los Angeles. His collaborations with noted artists such as Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, ABBA, Celine Dion, Peter Cetera, Lena Horne and Sammy Davis Jr. have garnered him rave reviews from his colleagues.
Perhaps it is his sensitive musicianship in shaping a melody that sets him apart. In fact, his rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is unforgettable, just as his surprising, stylish way with the operatic tenor show piece, "Nessun dorma" demonstrates the passion of Puccini, combined with the subtlety of a refined classical player.
His intrinsic understanding of American pop music is outstanding, and he is convincing and entertaining in a variety of jazz standards.
The way he weaves stories about his personal history and world travels into his performances makes them warm, soulful and riveting.
His work as a composer is gaining recognition, as well as his playing. His work for saxophone and orchestra was premiered in 2008 to critical acclaim.
Stengård's performance is generously underwritten by Bertil E. and Ulla E. Brunk and the Special Concerts Silver Sponsor Judith and John Graff Charitable Fund.
After the Stengård performance, Music by the Lake's Main Stage series continues with "Sweet Baby James," a James Taylor tribute performed by New York Tony-nominated artist Bob Stillman, on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. This performance is underwritten by The J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation.
Single-ticket prices range from $30 to $40 for the Stengård performance.
Visit the Web site at www.musicbythelake.com, call 866-843-5200 toll-free or 262-245-8501, or e-mail mbtl@aurora.edu.com for ticket availability.
Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. Approximately 4,000 degree-seeking students are enrolled each year on the university’s Illinois and Wisconsin campuses, and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. The George Williams College campus offers 15 academic programs, unique conference facilities, and is home to Music by the Lake and other education and enrichment programs.
Note: Media may download print-quality photos by going to the Music by the Lake press room at www.musicbythelake.com/press.
