Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United States of America

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Rova Saxophone Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound for over four decades. The quartet was founded in 1977 in San Francisco, California, by four saxophonists who shared a passion for exploring the possibilities of their instruments in a chamber music setting. The founding members of the Rova Saxophone Quartet were Bruce Ackley (soprano saxophone), Larry Ochs (tenor saxophone), Jon Raskin (baritone saxophone), and Andrew Voigt (alto saxophone). The quartet's name is an acronym of their surnames, with the "V" standing for Voigt, who left the group in 1988 and was replaced by Steve Adams (alto saxophone). From the beginning, the Rova Saxophone Quartet set out to challenge the conventions of classical music and push the boundaries of what was possible with their instruments. They drew inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and world music, and incorporated these influences into their compositions and performances. One of the highlights of the Rova Saxophone Quartet's early career was their participation in the New Music America festival in 1981. This was a major event in the contemporary classical music world, and the quartet's performance was widely praised for its innovative approach and virtuosic playing. Over the years, the Rova Saxophone Quartet has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and composers, including John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, and Terry Riley. They have also released numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim and won awards. One of the quartet's most notable albums is "Electric Ascension," which was released in 2005. This album is a reimagining of John Coltrane's seminal work "Ascension," and features the Rova Saxophone Quartet along with a large ensemble of musicians. The album was widely praised for its bold reinterpretation of Coltrane's music and its innovative use of electronics. In addition to their recordings, the Rova Saxophone Quartet is known for their dynamic live performances. They have toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and have performed at major festivals such as the Berlin Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. The Rova Saxophone Quartet has received numerous awards and honors over the years, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council. They were also awarded the prestigious Alpert Award in the Arts in 1999, which recognized their contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. Despite their many accomplishments, the Rova Saxophone Quartet remains committed to pushing the boundaries of their art form and exploring new possibilities for their instruments. They continue to inspire audiences with their innovative approach and virtuosic playing, and are widely regarded as one of the most important ensembles in contemporary classical music.

More....