Psathas' second concerto for saxophone and orchestra is inspired by the harrowing story of 19th century sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of the Sahara desert, captured by nomads, and sold into slavery. In the four movements of this dark-hued and thrilling work, a virtuosically ornamented but always lyrical solo part unfolds over mysteriously remote and luminous harmonies and the propulsive, driving rhythmic build-ups for which Psathas is well known. Zahara was written for and premiered by Federico Mondelci, a leading exponent of contemporary saxophone repertoire.
John Psathas is a New Zealand freelance composer and teacher who, at a relatively early stage in his career, has established an international profile and receives regular commissions from organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. His works are championed around the world by a growing number of leading international artists, one of the most consistent of whom has been the Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Initially making a name for himself as a composer of high-energy percussion music, more recently the composer has concentrated on a series of larger-scale concertante works. A major career highlight to date has been the commission to compose the ceremonial music for the opening and closing of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In 2005 John Psathas was created an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music.
