Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

The New Century Saxophone Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and virtuosic performances for over 30 years. The quartet was founded in 1984 by four young saxophonists who were studying at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. The founding members were Stephen Pollock (soprano saxophone), Christopher Hemming (alto saxophone), David Cook (tenor saxophone), and William Perconti (baritone saxophone). From the beginning, the quartet was committed to exploring the full range of the saxophone and expanding the repertoire for the instrument. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and dynamic performances, which showcased the saxophone's versatility and expressive potential. One of the quartet's early highlights was their performance at the 1985 World Saxophone Congress in Nuremberg, Germany. This was the quartet's first international performance, and it was a resounding success. They received a standing ovation from the audience and were praised for their technical skill and musicality. Over the years, the quartet has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible on the saxophone. They have commissioned numerous new works for the instrument, including pieces by composers such as William Bolcom, Michael Torke, and Jennifer Higdon. They have also arranged and adapted works from the classical repertoire, including pieces by Bach, Mozart, and Debussy. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their appearance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. They were invited to perform at the opening ceremony, where they played a medley of American folk songs arranged for saxophone quartet. The performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world, and it helped to raise the profile of the quartet and the saxophone as a serious classical instrument. In addition to their performances, the quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. They have released several albums, including "New Century Saxophone Quartet Plays Piazzolla" and "New Century Saxophone Quartet Plays Gershwin." Their recording of Bolcom's "Concerto Grosso" won a Grammy Award in 2002 for Best Classical Contemporary Composition. The quartet has undergone some personnel changes over the years, but the current members are David Cook (soprano saxophone), Stephen Pollock (alto saxophone), Christopher Hemming (tenor saxophone), and Danny Hawthorne-Foss (baritone saxophone). They continue to perform regularly, both in the United States and internationally, and they remain committed to expanding the repertoire for the saxophone and showcasing the instrument's unique qualities. In conclusion, the New Century Saxophone Quartet is a pioneering ensemble that has helped to establish the saxophone as a serious classical instrument. Their innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and commitment to expanding the repertoire for the instrument have earned them a devoted following and numerous accolades over the years. They continue to inspire audiences with their unique sound and musicality, and they are sure to remain a fixture in the classical music world for years to come.

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