The 14^th World Saxophone Congress was held between the 5^th and the 9^th of July in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Venue was Cankarjev dom: a splendid multi-purpose centre with many auditoriums: large (up to 1,600 seats) and small (as few as 20 seats). It also had fully equipped presentation rooms and generous exhibition space.

I attended the Congress as a member of Saxosaurus Rex, a group from South Australia comprising seven members including its founder and Director, Richard Duluk, five of Richard’s adult saxophone students and the eminent composer and player, David Brookes.

The Congress is held every three years. The last two were in Montreal (2000) and Minneapolis (2003). The 2006 Congress was different. Previous Congresses had been rather elitist. This one did not hesitate in letting us play. It catered for everybody. It was big: 1000 players – professionals; amateurs; students; solo players; quartets; ensembles. Each day, it started at 9.00 am and there were performances in five auditoriums. There were also conferences, lectures, clinics, master-classes and exhibitions of instrument makers. In the evenings, there were splendid concerts.

 

Who was there? There were the saxophone legends: Jean-Marie Londeix, Claude Delangle and Eugene Rousseau – to name just three. There were professional groups such as, my favourite, Sax Assault, led by saxophonist and composer, Andy Scott. There were Slovenian Orchestras and Bands. There were individual performers. There were small ensembles and large ensembles. And the music was great: classical; jazz; modern; popular – most of it was composed or arranged especially for the Congress.

Saxosaurus Rex performed in Gallus Hall, an auditorium with seating capacity of 1,600. While it was not a full house, our select audience applauded us generously. Our performance included a world premier of Blues for Saxosaurus Rex by David Brookes and six of my own compositions and arrangements.

Saxosaurus Rex plays Temby instruments. We are grateful for the support that we had from Temby Australia by way of sponsorship and many kind words of encouragement.

The Congress organization, much of which was done by volunteers, was outstanding. They were friendly, patient and kind. So too were all the people that we met. Slovenia has existed as a nation for only fifteen years. It exudes pride, happiness and goodwill. Slovenia’s National Anthem tells us a lot about the people and the country:

God’s blessing on all nations,

Who long and work for that bright day

When o’er earth’s inhabitants

No war, no strife shall hold its sway;

Who long to see

That all men free

No more shall foes but neighbours be.

The next Congress will be in Bangkok in 2009. I hope to see you all there.