The Napa Valley Symphony presents its first classical concert of 2007 featuring renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis on  Jan. 21, at 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville.

 Marsalis is known for his innovative spirit and broad musical scope, and is equally at home on the stages of the world’s greatest jazz clubs and concert halls. His recording career encompasses 12 jazz albums, two classical albums and two Buckshot LeFonque pop releases for Sony Music. His recent recording for Columbia Records, “Contemporary Jazz,” which has been hailed as his greatest work to date, garnered the saxophonist’s third Grammy Award.

Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune declared that “Contemporary Jazz” captured Marsalis at “a new level of emotional intensity and instrumental brilliance.” 

Marsalis and the Napa Valley Symphony will perform the “Rhapsody for Clarinet & Orchestra” by Debussy, “Escapades for Saxophone & Orchestra” by John Williams, and “Concerto for Saxophone” by Vaughn Williams.

A pre-concert lecture, beginning at 2 p.m., will feature saxophonist Dr. Aaron Lington. In addition to his position as assistant professor at San Jose State University where he serves as coordinator of jazz studies, Lington is also a member of the faculty at the Texas Music Festival Jazz Institute, hosted by the University of Houston, and a judge for the Next Generation Jazz Festival, hosted by the Monterey Jazz Festival. 

Marsalis, a New Orleans native, was born into one of the country’s most distinguished musical families, which includes patriarch/pianist/educator Ellis Marsalis and brothers Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis. Branford Marsalis won a Grammy in 1993 for his album “I Heard You Twice the First Time,” and another in 1994 for “Barcelona Mona,” a single he recorded with Bruce Hornsby for the Olympics in Spain. His 1993 trio album, “Bloomington” was also hailed as a landmark in contemporary jazz.

Marsalis is also dedicated to changing the future of jazz in the classroom. He recently assumed a part-time appointment on the music faculty at San Francisco State University. This follows a previous association with Michigan State University where Marsalis taught both as a visiting scholar and a part-time faculty member. Beyond these traditional avenues, Marsalis  hopes to bring jazz to a wider audience and provide places for young musicians to perform before live audiences through the “Marsalis Jams” initiative of his new label.

Whether on the stage, in the recording studio or classroom,  Marsalis represents a clear commitment to musical excellence. With the new challenges and opportunities presented by his own record label, he once again keeps the music in the forefront.

 Tickets are $24-$66 adult, half-price for children/students, and can be purchased by calling  226-8742 or visit www.napavalleysymphony.org.

Branford Marsalis

Sunday, Jan. 21, 3 p.m.

Tickets: $24-$66 adult, half-price for children/students

226-8742 or www.napavalleysymphony.org.