Biography

The Father-Daughter musical relationship was a “work in progress” from the very beginning. It is not often that a parent-child teaching constellation is successful, but my Father always gave me freedom while teaching me, at first, simply through the appropriate for children method of imitation. I was allowed to make mistakes (Father: If you make a mistake, do it with conviction!) I never heard “wrong, it should be this way and not that way.” And so, for about seven years (starting at the age of five), I learned everything by heart, and not by reading notes. I am forever grateful for this experience, since it built a solid foundation for all of my musical endeavors, no matter in which combination. Our first public concert together took place on the 16th of June, 1952 in Manchester, Vermont, and ended in Stockholm on the 4th of February 1977, with a last performance of the Concerto Piccolo together with the Stockholm Wind Ensemble. In these 25 years between 1952 and 1977 we performed a multitude of concerts in Europe, North America, and Canada, in the capital cities with orchestra, recitals with piano in smaller cities and towns, at universities with their Concert Bands and much more. During this time, over twenty works were written for and dedicated to the Raschèr Duo by internationally known composers, four of which are presented on this CD. - Carina Raschèr

Sigurd and Carina Raschèr’s legacy of virtuosic performances and artistry is intertwined with the history of the saxophone. Their musicianship inspired major composers of the twentieth century to contribute to the saxophone’s repertoire, laid the foundation for all concert saxophonists today, and set a standard few have met. In 2024 we established the Raschèr Duo Project to celebrate the Raschèrs’ approach to the soprano and alto saxophones, the repertoire dedicated to them, and the visionary course they charted for these instruments. We are grateful to Carina Raschèr for her mentorship and collaboration in preparing the release of this project. - Jacob Swanson & Michael Hernandez

Michael Hernandez has been described as one of the finest soprano saxophone artists of the present generation. He has been heard in concert halls throughout Germany, Switzerland, Poland, France, Holland, Austria, Italy, the UK, Canada, and the United States. Recently He has been featured on WPRB’s Classical Discoveries- Viva 21st Century, WCNY Classic FM’s Fresh Ink, and has been broadcasted multiple times nationwide on NPR’s Performance Today. Hernandez is an in-demand soloist appearing with orchestras and wind ensembles throughout North and South America, additionally  he has held residencies at dozens of music festivals including Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Hot Springs Music Festival, National Music Festival, Music in the Mountains, The Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, The Festival of New American Music, Ethos New Music Festival, and the Oklahoma State Contemporary Music Festival. Hernandez currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at San Jose State University, and is an endorsing artist for Key Leaves, RooPads, Lefreque Sound Bridges, MANA Mouthpieces and D’Addario Woodwinds.

www.michaelhernandezsax.com

Hailed as a “soloist with impeccable taste,” and praised by audiences and composers for his "gorgeous, lyrical tone, spectacular technique, and heartfelt musicality ..." for presenting "the saxophone at the height of its beauty," Jacob Swanson has performed throughout North America and Europe on concert series, television, and radio. Since 2011, Swanson has performed regularly as a member of the Decho Ensemble. Decho has participated in residencies at Mercyhurst University, Idaho University Moscow, and with the NyMusikks Komponistgruppe in Oslo, Norway. Swanson's debut album, Invisible Cities (2016) was met with critical acclaim for "remind[ing] us what a beautiful instrument the soprano saxophone is ... [performing with] handsome tone, flawless technique, and great musical sensibilities."-ClevelandClassical Additional recordings include a second solo album, wired. (2017), Ulterior Motives (2016) and Decho Ensemble’s self-titled debut album (2023). Swanson performs on Buescher saxophones ca. 1930's, Mana Mouthpieces, and is a Vandoren Artist Clinician.

www.jacobswanson.com

Dr. Alison d’Amato (she/they) is Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching at Eastman School of Music. She has worked for more than twenty-five years as a collaborative pianist, teacher, and music director. A trailblazer in the field of art song, she is dedicated to generating new music and merging its past with its present. Dr. d’Amato’s broad experience has made her a valued partner in creative initiatives. In 2003, she became Artistic Co-Director of Florestan Recital Project, one of the earliest organizations to champion art song performances, recordings, and mentoring. She is Program Co-Director of (Art) Song Lab, which brings together writers, composers, and performers to create new works. In 2022, she assumed the role of Artistic Director for ArtsBridge Summer Classical Voice. In all her activities, Dr. d’Amato seeks to energize relationships in music and bring students’ love for their art to the forefront of their projects.

Carina Raschèr, July 2025

The sketch of the soprano and alto saxophones on the cover of this CD was created by AnnMari Raschèr, wife of Sigurd Raschèr. It was often used for promotion during the many active years of the Raschèr Duo (1952-1977). Mrs. Raschèr’s artwork of the well known bust-sketch of Sigurd Raschèr can be found throughout saxophone publications related to SMR.

Recorded July 15 & 16, 2024 • Matt Estep, recording engineer

State University of New York Fredonia • Rosch Recital Hall

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