Air Mass – Nick Russoniello

An unmissable & immersive musical experience that will ‘shatter the glass between the musician and the audience’. (Limelight Magazine)

Nick Russoniello returns to the Malachi after his hugely popular show in January, Echoes of the Picture Palace. 

Air Mass, a new concert experience by award-winning saxophonist & composer Nick Russoniello, redefines the boundaries of the solo saxophone recital. Touring nationally in 2025, this show combines extreme saxophone playing, audience generated sounds, live looping, body percussion and more.

Expect a seamless blend of lyricism and groove as the program moves between the elegance of Telemann and Debussy to the energy of beatbox & Daft Punk. The concert also features the world premiere of Russoniello’s new original composition Air Mass.

Russoniello is one of Australia’s leading composer-performers. He has performed as a soloist with many of Australia’s premier arts organisations including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, ABC Classic FM and Musica Viva Australia. His music for saxophone is also played regularly by saxophonists all around the world.

“There are two markers of a Nick Russoniello world premiere: an overwhelming sense of fun; and a unique hook to shatter the glass between the musicians and the audience… He’s an exceptional performer and soloist – you almost have to laugh in astonishment at some of what he delivers.”

Limelight Magazine

“Not all world premieres are created equal. Hand on heart, for me this was the best I’ve heard so far, and judging by the audience reaction at the close of the piece, everyone seemed to feel the same.”

This concert is supported by Live Music Australia.