Reviews

MONTEREY SYMPHONY opens its 80th season Oct. 18-19 with acclaimed saxophonist Timothy McAllister joining in for the world premiere of composer Ste ven Mackey's "Anemology." Saturday's concert starts at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday's matinee begins at 3 p.m. "This brilliant, colorful and intoxicating new work pairs one of the greatest composers of our time with one of the most dynamic soloists working today," the symphony said.

Mackey, who infuses rock and jazz into his compositions, worked closely with McAllister while writing the piece. The instrumentalist has played on three Grammy Award-winning albums.

"He possesses a rare and special virtuosity which I've become familiar with through various collaborations over the past 20 years," Mackey said. "His playing howls, grooves, flutters and flows like wind."

The program also includes Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2. Music director and conductor Jayce Ogren called the dramatic and tuneful composition "one of my favorite pieces in the repertoire."

Everybody attending Saturday's concert is invited to an opening night party at 6 p.m, and Ogren and Mackey will present talks an hour before each concert. The symphony's principal bassoonist, Anne Ranzan, will play in the lobby before Sunday's performance.

Tickets are $50 for general admission and $12 for students, teachers and active military. Sunset Center is located at San Carlos and Ninth. Call (831) 646-8511 or visit montereysymphony.org.