Capitol Quartet to perform standard works, new music and jazz

Contact: Dannielle Sturgeon
Photo of Capitol Quartet.

Capitol Quartet

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—After a brief visit to Western Michigan University this summer for the Seminar music camp, the Capitol Quartet will return to the Dalton Center Recital Hall with a program of saxophone quartet music at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4

The group will premier two new works by composers Carter Pann and David Biedenbender. In addition to recent works written for the ensemble by Evan Hause, Andrew Bishop and John Fitz Rogers, the Capitol Quartet will bring selections from the standard repertoire, arrangements of jazz tunes as well as a rendition of Debussy's String Quartet to the stage. Carter Pann's "The Mechanics: Six from the Shop Floor," a 2016 Pulitzer finalist composition written for the group, will be the centerpiece of the concert.

The performance will be preceded by a 7 p.m. discussion hosted by Dr. Robert White. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for seniors and $5 for students, and are available from Miller Auditorium online or by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858.

The Capitol Quartet

The Capitol Quartet is widely considered among the most exciting chamber ensembles performing today. Comprised of saxophonists who are teaching faculty at leading music schools, the group has captured the imaginations of critics and audiences alike. Combining innovative repertoire with virtuosic playing and an energetic, engaging stage presence, the quartet brings a unique brand of entertainment to the concert stage. Since its formation in 1991, the quartet has performed regularly at major concert venues throughout the United States, earning wide acclaim for its musical versatility and innovative style.

The Capitol Quartet's eclectic repertoire features contemporary works for saxophone, transcriptions of classical and jazz favorites, jazz originals, and traditional French quartet compositions. It is also committed to expanding the repertoire of the saxophone quartet, having commissioned new works for saxophone quartet by such composers as Stacy Garrop, Evan Hause, Mark Weiser, Charles Ruggiero, John Fitz Rogers, John Anthony Lennon, Greg Wanamaker, Perry Goldstein, Whitney Ash, Carter Pann and others.

Dedicated to advancing music education, the Capitol Quartet regularly performs and lectures at national and state music educators conferences, appearing at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Conference, Illinois Music Educators Conference, Connecticut Music Educators Conference, Virginia Music Educators Conference, MENC Eastern Division Conference, NAFME Eastern Division Conference, American Band College, Bands of America's Summer Symposium, and many more. The quartet also has performed master classes and educational programs at numerous schools and universities throughout the country.

Bullock Music Performance Institute

Established in the fall of 1985 and renamed in 1988 in honor of its founder, the institute's mission is to add to the already rich cultural life of Kalamazoo by creating opportunities to develop closer personal and artistic ties between audience and performer. The institute has presented events ranging from formal evening concerts to daytime educational outreach events for students and local audiences of all ages.

For more information about the Wednesday evening concert series, call (269) 387-4704 or (269) 387-4678, or visit wmich.edu/music.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.