A musical extravaganza is on the horizon as two exceptional saxophone quartets gear up to perform at the 1300 FRIB Laboratory. On Friday, 3 November 2023, at 5:30 p.m., attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness the exceptional talents of these ensembles, showcasing a diverse program featuring an array of musical compositions.
I. Concert Program
The concert program is set to delight music enthusiasts with a dynamic repertoire, including the following pieces:
“Danzón no. 5: ‘Portales de Madrugada’ (1997)” by Arturo Marquez (b. 1950)
“Doublethink” (2015) by Takuma Itoh (b. 1984)
“Aus Holberg’s Zeit” (1884) by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
II. Performers for this program include:
Zachary Costello, Soprano Saxophone
Spencer Cox, Alto Saxophone
Owen Robinson, Tenor Saxophone
Michael Ethier, Baritone Saxophone
“Italian Concerto BWV 971 (1735)” by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), arranged by Katsuki Tochio
III. Presto
“Nocturne” (2021) by Zhou Tian (b. 1981)
“Quartet for Saxophone” (1932) by Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936)
IV. Finale
“Unquiet Spirits” (2012) by John Mackey (b. 1973)
Performing the latter part of the program is the Quartet Fiume:
Nathan Salazar, Soprano Saxophone
Parker Fritz, Alto Saxophone
Owen Kilpatrick, Tenor Saxophone
Michael Keeler, Baritone Saxophone
About the Performers
PULSE is an internationally acclaimed undergraduate saxophone quartet hailing from Michigan State University, under the guidance of Professor Joseph Lulloff. With a mission to captivate and inspire audiences through a diverse range of repertoire, PULSE is known for breaking down the barrier between performers and their audience. Their accomplishments include being artists in residence at the 2023 Manitou Music Festival in Glen Arbor, Mich, and with previous residencies at Interlochen Public Radio and the Sound Garden Project. Notably, PULSE secured first prize in the Performing Artist Division of the 2023 NOLA Chamber Festival Competition, second prize at the 2022 Barbara Wagner Chamber Music Competition, and reached the finals in the 2022 Coltman Chamber Music Competition and the 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Quartet Competition. Their international recognition includes winning the 2ème Prix à l’unanimité in the Chamber Music Division of the 2022 International Music Competition. The quartet has also had the privilege of performing for esteemed musicians such as Branford Marsalis, members of Eighth Blackbird, Stacy Garrop, Christopher Creviston, h2 Quartet, and Taimur Sullivan. The quartet’s members deeply value the camaraderie that blossoms when playing chamber music.
Quartet Fiume is a newly formed saxophone quartet comprising graduate students from Michigan State University: Nathan Salazar, Parker Fritz, Owen Kilpatrick, and Michael Keeler, who are all students of Professor Joseph Lulloff. The quartet members have achieved recognition in national competitions, including the NASA Collegiate Solo and Saxophone Quartet Competitions, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Young Artist and Chamber Winds Competition, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of saxophone quartet music is evident through their diverse programming, which encompasses transcriptions, saxophone quartet classics, and contemporary saxophone quartet compositions from the past decade.
Don’t miss this extraordinary musical experience at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams on Friday, 3 November 2023, at 5:30 p.m. It promises to be a night of remarkable musical artistry that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
