Horner and Johnson release new 'Live at Steinway Hall' CD

Saxophonist Brian Horner's new CD of music composed by M. Zachary Johnson (right) is now on sale in Washington. Elizabeth Wolynec (center) is accompanist. Nashville-based classical saxophonist Brian Horner and New York City-based composer M. Zachary Johnson have released a live CD entitled The Saxophone Music Of M. Zachary Johnson - Live At Steinway Hall featuring highlights of a recent concert at the famed New York concert hall. Horner is the son-in-law of Washington resident Virginia King and performed a solo at the June wedding ceremony of Virginia King and Skeet Willingham.

The May 13, 2006, Steinway Hall concert presented on this album is a milestone in Horner and Johnson's seven year collaboration. It includes the premieres of Johnson's Grand Sonata for Alto Saxophone & Piano, and his Quintet for Saxophones & Piano, as well as performances of several other compositions. Pianist Elizabeth Wolynec is also featured, as well as the Mannes Saxophone Quartet with pianist Kyle Adams.

Horner has performed in concert halls throughout the eastern United States, including New York City's Carnegie Hall. He appears on Curb Records recording artist Gretchen Peters' Halcyon album which was released in Europe and the United Kingdom. His performance on Peters' "The Aviator's Song" can be heard on radio stations throughout England and Scotland. He's appeared with the Nashville Saxophone Quartet on National Public Radio affiliate WPLN's "Live in Studio C" and performed with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra.

Horner serves on the faculty at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, and will be the featured soloist with the Austin Peay Wind Ensemble in February 2007, performing the world premiere of another work by M. Zachary Johnson. Horner and Johnson will present another New York City recital in May 2007 at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. This concert will feature the world premieres of a suite of songs for alto saxophone, piano and tenor, and a duet for soprano saxophone and horn, performed by Brian Horner and his wife, Erin Horner, daughter of Virginia King.

M. Zachary Johnson received undergraduate degrees in music theory and composition from the University of Michigan and a masters degree in music theory from the Mannes College of Music in New York, where he was awarded the Felix Salzer Prize for Excellence in Music Theory. He currently teaches in the Preparatory Division of the Mannes College of Music. Johnson is widely sought after as a freelance writer and speaker. He has been named Composer-in-Residence at the 2007 Austin Peay State University Honor Band Festival.

The album's packaging features eloquent liner notes written by the composer that serve to narrate the concert. The CD is available locally at Fievet Pharmacy.