Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Amherst Saxophone Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and virtuosic performances for over four decades. Founded in 1978, the quartet has become one of the most celebrated saxophone ensembles in the world, known for their innovative programming and exceptional musicianship. The founding members of the Amherst Saxophone Quartet were Stephen Rosenthal, Russell Carere, Harry Fackelman, and Michael Stephenson. All four musicians were graduates of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and had a shared passion for exploring the possibilities of the saxophone as a chamber music instrument. They began performing together in the late 1970s, and quickly gained a reputation for their dynamic and engaging performances. One of the early highlights of the Amherst Saxophone Quartet's career was their performance at the 1980 World Saxophone Congress in Nuremberg, Germany. This was a significant event for the quartet, as it was their first international performance and helped to establish them as a leading ensemble in the saxophone world. The quartet continued to tour extensively throughout the 1980s, performing at major music festivals and concert halls across the United States and Europe. In addition to their live performances, the Amherst Saxophone Quartet has also released several critically acclaimed recordings over the years. Their debut album, "The New York Connection," was released in 1982 and featured works by American composers such as Philip Glass and William Albright. This album helped to establish the quartet as a leading interpreter of contemporary classical music, and they continued to explore this repertoire in subsequent recordings. One of the defining characteristics of the Amherst Saxophone Quartet's sound is their use of four different saxophones - soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone - which allows them to create a rich and varied palette of colors and textures. This has enabled them to perform a wide range of repertoire, from classical works by Bach and Mozart to contemporary pieces by composers such as John Adams and Steve Reich. Over the years, the Amherst Saxophone Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 1986, they were awarded the prestigious Naumburg Chamber Music Award, which is given annually to outstanding young chamber music ensembles. This was a significant honor for the quartet, as it helped to further establish their reputation as one of the leading chamber music ensembles in the world. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Amherst Saxophone Quartet has also been dedicated to promoting the saxophone as a serious chamber music instrument. They have commissioned numerous new works for saxophone quartet from composers such as Libby Larsen and David Maslanka, and have also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles to create new and innovative chamber music experiences. Today, the Amherst Saxophone Quartet continues to perform and record, with a lineup that includes founding member Stephen Rosenthal, as well as current members Susan Fancher, Harry Fackelman, and Michael Stephenson. They remain committed to exploring the possibilities of the saxophone as a chamber music instrument, and to sharing their passion for this unique and versatile instrument with audiences around the world.

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