UI Symphony Orchestra to Premiere Liebermann Saxophone Concerto with Kahane

Iowa City, IA – The University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra is set to present a compelling concert on February 20, 2026, at the Voxman Music Building Concert Hall, featuring the U.S. Premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, Op. 145. The performance will similarly include works by Leonard Bernstein and Gabriel Kahane, with Kahane joining the ensemble as a vocalist and guitarist.

A Collaboration of Composers and Musicians

The concert brings together the talents of composer Lowell Liebermann, Hancher Auditorium’s 2025-26 Composer-in-Residence Gabriel Kahane, and UI Professor of Saxophone, Dr. Kenneth Tse. Liebermann will be in attendance for the premiere of his saxophone concerto, written specifically for Dr. Tse. Kahane will perform his own compositions, including a suite of murder ballads, and collaborate with the orchestra.

Program Highlights

The program for the February 20th performance includes:

• L. Bernstein: Three Dance Episodes from On the Town
• L. Liebermann: Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra Op. 145 – featuring Kenneth Tse, saxophone
• B. Dylan/orch. G. Kahane: The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
• G. Kahane: The Trolley Problem (World Premiere Arrangement)
• G. Kahane: Veda (1 Pierce Dr.) from The Ambassador
• G. Kahane: Empire Liquor Mart (9172 S. Figueroa St.) from The Ambassador – featuring Gabriel Kahane, voice and guitar

Livestream and Accessibility

The concert will be livestreamed on the School of Music website: https://music.uiowa.edu/events/school-music-livestream. The event is free and open to the public. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the School of Music in advance at (319) 335-3500 or music@uiowa.edu.

Related Event: In Conversation with Liebermann and Kahane

Prior to the concert, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Voxman Music Building Recital Hall, the School of Music will host “American Voices: In Conversation with Lowell Liebermann and Gabriel Kahane.” Moderated by Director of Orchestral Studies and Music Assistant Professor Kenny Lee, the discussion will focus on the composers’ process and artistry. More information about the conversation can be found here.