Herbiet/ Sykes/ Lacroix - Road to the Ethereal Gate

Victor Herbiet has composed works in various styles to add new and innovative selections to the classical saxophone repertoire. Whether he draws inspiration from the Argentinian tango, ragtime, French Impressionism, serialism or electronic music, he strives to infuse flow and energy in every piece he creates. This recording features compositions for saxophone and various instruments that led the composer to the create Through the Ethereal Gate for solo saxophonist-thereminist. This piece is unique because it features a new playing system where the saxophonist can generate notes and effects from a theremin while playing the saxophone. The "Ethereal Gate" is the invisible barrier in thin air that separates the area where the theremin is inactive from the one where the theremin recognizes someone's presence. The composer, on the saxophone, is joined by clarinettist Kimball Sykes, violinist Marc Djokic, and pianist Frédéric Lacroix. Victor Herbiet studied saxophone with Peter Smith and Noël Samyn and composition with Steven Gellman at the University of Ottawa where he obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree in saxophone performance. After serving with the Canadian Forces music branch between 1999 and 2011, Victor reoriented his career towards solo performance, education and composition. By blending the idioms of twelve-tone music with other styles such as French impressionism, Canadian folk, American jazz and Latin music, Victor has created a musical language that is accessible and interesting for diverse audiences.