New disc features faculty member

"Conicality" is the title of a new compact disc of contemporary music by an instrumental group that includes a Mississippi State faculty member.

The Vision Saxophone Quartet was formed six years ago in Chicago to promote, in part, new works of living composers. Gail Levinsky, an instructor in the Music Education Department, performs on the baritone sax.

Composed of 15 selections, the CD is a release of Vision Productions of Chicago. The title is taken from one of those, a 1977 piece by Rudolph Bubalo.

Gail Levinsky, standing, far left, and the other members of Vision Saxophone Quartet

Other artists whose works are featured include Samuel Adler, Iannis Xenakis, Lukas Foss, M. William Karlins, Franco Donatoni, and Robert Steel.

Levinsky said the idea for the group's first release followed its 1994 performance at the Indiana State Contemporary Music Festival.

"The composer (Bubalo) was being honored at the festival and, after hearing us, he asked us to make a proposal for a recording project," Levinsky said.

The quartet also includes Jeremy Ruthrauff on soprano saxophone; Nancy McMillan, alto saxophone; and Dennis Lindsay, tenor saxophone. They and Levinsky began performing together while graduate students at Northwestern University.

Following appearances throughout the United States, the group made its European debut in 1992 at the Theatro Rossini in Pesaro, Italy. Two years ago, Levinsky and her musical collaborators performed at Mississippi State.

"We are very proud of Ms. Levinsky's achievements and excited about her new recording," said Randi L'Hommedieu, Music Education Department head. "Our students benefit greatly from the experience she brings to campus from her studio projects and performances."

Levinsky will be featured Feb. 27 with Jackie Edwards-Henry on piano at the department's Faculty Artists Concert. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. at the McComas Hall theater. Tickets are $5 for the general public; $3 for students, faculty and staff.