The Haags Saxophone Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1978 in The Hague, Netherlands, by four young saxophonists who shared a passion for classical music and a desire to explore the possibilities of the saxophone as a chamber music instrument. The founding members of the Haags Saxophone Quartet were Arno Bornkamp (soprano saxophone), Johan van der Linden (alto saxophone), Jan Schulte-Bunert (tenor saxophone), and Willem van Merwijk (baritone saxophone). All four musicians had studied at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the quartet. From the beginning, the Haags Saxophone Quartet set out to expand the repertoire for saxophone quartet by commissioning new works from contemporary composers and arranging existing classical pieces for their ensemble. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and virtuosic performances, and soon began touring internationally. One of the highlights of the Haags Saxophone Quartet's early career was their performance at the 1982 World Saxophone Congress in Nuremberg, Germany. Their program included works by Bach, Debussy, and Ravel, as well as a new piece by Dutch composer Theo Loevendie. The quartet's performance was met with enthusiastic applause and critical acclaim, and helped to establish them as one of the leading saxophone ensembles in the world. Over the years, the Haags Saxophone Quartet has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with the saxophone, collaborating with composers and musicians from a wide range of genres and styles. They have premiered works by such notable composers as Louis Andriessen, Luciano Berio, and Steve Reich, and have worked with jazz musicians like John Surman and Mike Gibbs. In addition to their work as a performing ensemble, the members of the Haags Saxophone Quartet are also highly respected teachers and mentors. They have taught at conservatories and universities around the world, and have inspired countless young saxophonists to pursue careers in classical music. Throughout their career, the Haags Saxophone Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the world of classical music. In 1994, they were awarded the Dutch Music Prize, the highest honor for a musician in the Netherlands. They have also been recognized with the Edison Award, the Prix Italia, and the Echo Klassik Award, among others. Despite the many accolades and achievements of the Haags Saxophone Quartet, their focus has always remained on the music itself. They continue to perform and record with passion and dedication, always seeking to explore new possibilities and expand the repertoire for saxophone quartet. Today, the Haags Saxophone Quartet is comprised of Arno Bornkamp (soprano saxophone), Niels Bijl (alto saxophone), Johan van der Linden (tenor saxophone), and Jelte Althuis (baritone saxophone). They continue to tour internationally and record new works, and remain one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the world of classical music.

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