Saxophonist Robert Young will appear as featured soloist with the Winston-Salem Symphony to open its 2026–2027 season, performing Guillaume Connesson’s A Kind of Trane, a vibrant homage to jazz legend John Coltrane. The performances, taking place September 26–27, 2026, coincide with the week of Coltrane’s 100th birthday, offering a meaningful tribute in the saxophonist’s birth state of North Carolina.
Under the direction of Music Director Michelle Merrill, this season-opening program highlights the dynamic intersection of classical and jazz traditions. Connesson’s concerto, celebrated for its rhythmic vitality and expressive range, draws inspiration from Coltrane’s unmistakable voice while demanding both technical brilliance and deep musical sensitivity from the soloist.
Young’s interpretation of A Kind of Trane has been hailed by SF Classical Voice as “uncommonly expressive…and technically prodigious,” capturing both the virtuosity and artistry at the heart of Connesson’s tribute. His return to the work with the Winston-Salem Symphony promises a performance that channels the spirit of John Coltrane with clarity, intensity, and expressive power.
