Tim McAllister set to debut with New York Philharmonic in late March
The world renowned saxophonist and Arts Academy instructor will perform “Triathlon”, a piece John Corigliano wrote with him in mind.
Tim McAllister seems like the saxophonist who’s done everything: he’s a gifted soloist, a performer who frequently appears with the world’s top orchestras, and the musical chops behind the premieres of over 250 new compositions. Plus, he teaches at Interlochen Arts Academy. But for more than thirty years, McAllister has treasured another dream that will come to fruition this spring. From March 26-29, McAllister will take the stage at David Geffen Hall alongside the New York Philharmonic—entering an arena graced by the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and countless other greats in the world of classical music. He reflects on this upcoming opportunity and Triathlon, the uniquely athletic concerto written for him by multi-GRAMMY® and Oscar winning composer John Corigliano.
Training for “Triathlon”
“I’ve played with orchestras all across the world, but to play with the New York Philharmonic feels different somehow. It’s the mystique of New York and all its history,” says McAllister. “When I was in my early twenties, this is something that I dreamed of doing.”
McAllister, under famed conductor Leonard Slatkin, will take on Triathlon, a thirty-minute, three-movement concerto that requires peak physical endurance. The last time he prepared to perform it, McAllister took to the treadmill and trails until he’d completely transformed his body.
“The piece obviously references athletics with the word ‘triathlon’, and I’ve never been an athlete. But I have a decent bicycle and I love trying new trails and staying in shape,” he says. “By the time I premiered the piece in April 2022, I’d dropped close to twenty pounds.”
Though McAllister doesn’t need to do anything quite so drastic this time, he’s still challenging himself to surpass his first performances of the piece.
“With repeat performances, it's about raising the bar. It's about making a greater statement and being in competition with myself.”
Tim McAllister poses with alto, soprano, and baritone saxophones.
Three saxophones, one dream
When audiences settle in to hear Triathlon, they’ll be greeted by the sight of McAllister seated next to three different kinds of saxophones. Though the alto saxophone is by far the best known and most often seen in performances, composer John Corigliano wanted to feature the soprano and baritone saxophones as well. McAllister will play all three in succession, in movements entitled “Leaps”, “Lines”, and “Licks”.
“ There's a visual element to the performance because you have all three saxophones on stage at once,” McAllister reflects. “”You’re playing one, but the other two are standing there, waiting to be played. It gives a little sense of mystery. The audience doesn’t know what to expect.”
I tell my students that they’re allowed to dream. As faculty members, it's our job to be enablers of those dreams.
The excitement of an innovative composition like Triathlon provides a wealth of motivation for McAllister. As an instructor at Interlochen Arts Academy, he’s also deeply mindful of his impact on the next generation of young musicians. It’s a constant reminder that keeps him going through grueling hours of practice and rehearsals.
“I tell my students that they’re allowed to dream,” he says. “As faculty members, it's our job to be enablers of those dreams. In a world full of so much pessimism about how selective and difficult the arts can be, we’re fighting for a chance for our students and for ourselves.”
When he takes the stage in late March, McAllister will fulfill his youthful ambitions and provide lasting inspiration for the students under his care.
Students at Interlochen Arts Academy enjoy world-renowned artistic training from gifted professionals alongside college-preparatory academics. Learn more about Arts Academy.
