Rencontres, composed in 2005, for saxophone quartet, represents Juan Arroyo’s first Opus. Its title reflects the creative stimulation the composer experienced during his first months in Europe and his encounter with a hitherto idealized culture. The form of the work as well as its title materializes in the writing of intertwined solos. The knowledge and integration of different extended techniques in his expressive and visceral writing are closely linked to his time in the city of Bordeaux, where the headquarters of the European Saxophone Center is located, and to a decisive encounter with saxophonist Marie-Bernadette Charrier, professor of the saxophone class at the Bordeaux Conservatory and artistic director of the Proxima Centauri ensemble.
The world premiere of Rencontres took place in June 2005 by the Quatuor 2.5, at the Bordeaux Conservatory, France.