Valentine Michaud Photo: Gabrielle Besenval
Brilliant French saxophonist Valentine Michaud likes to stretch herself, whether it be forming a band at the age of nine, playing her instrument while dressed as a peacock, or even producing more than one note at a time.
Her latest challenge is relatively straightforward: just swapping between soprano and tenor sax in the space of a few beats during her concert with Orchestra Wellington, playing John Psathas’s piece ‘Zahara’.
She spoke with Bryan Crump about how preparing for her onstage instrument swap is going, how she plays percussion with her tongue, and seeking out new works for the saxophone.
Myth & Ritual
Valentine Michaud (saxophone), Orchestra Wellington, Marc Taddei (conductor)
Saturday 3 June, 7.30pm, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington