On Friday, May 1, Saint Maur held its final Concert & Lecture event of the academic year for an audience made up of Middle School students, along with members of the Elementary and High School homerooms.

The event was hosted by the Music Department, who collaborated with renowned pianist, director, arranger, and composer Jonathan Katz, to create a program specially for Saint Maur. Katz is the founder and director of the famous Tokyo Big Band and is also known for his work with Disney World Beat.

This concert was the first performance of this material by the ensemble, making the occasion particularly special. The quintet was made up of virtuoso musicians Makiyo Sakai (flute), Juasa Kanoh (drums), Satsuki Kusui (bass), Christopher Hardy (percussion) and Jonathan Katz, who led the ensemble on piano. The group was affectionately named the 'Tokyo Little Band' in contrast to Katz’s larger ensembles, as several of the quintet perform regularly as members of those groups. We were treated to a wide variety of material, featuring classical music by Erik Satie, jazz standards by George Gershwin, Disney Classics and original material, all interpreted in a unique style.

Students and staff alike were captivated by the group’s incredible musicianship, detailed explanations, and imaginative interpretations of both familiar and unfamiliar works. What an exciting and inspiring end to the school week! The event was well received by the performers themselves, who praised our newly upgraded lights and sound system, excellent range of professional grade microphones and musical instruments and warm Saint Maur hospitality. We look forward to continuing the Concert & Lecture series in the new academic year, with a series of three more events for the Elementary, Middle and High School students.

Through this program we aim to continue to showcase our team of 13 instrumental teachers and also invite external professional performers to perform in our fabulous auditorium. You can rewatch this performance on SaintMaurLive.