Zēlos Saxophone Quartet

This program showcases the versatility and unique voice of the saxophone in both original compositions and masterful transcriptions. Join us for an exciting concert that journeys through a range of musical styles and eras, brought to life by The Zēlos Saxophone Quartet. From intricate counterpoint and rich Romantic melodies to lively Impressionist colors and dynamic modern expressions, come experience the full expressive power of Zēlos in an unforgettable afternoon of music.
Musicians:
Jonah Cabral, soprano saxophone
Johnny Selmer, alto saxophone
Alessia Garcia, tenor saxophone
Barry Galbreath, baritone saxophone
Program:
1. The Art of Fugue: Contrapunctus 4 by J. S. Bach, arr. by John McCoy (1685-1750). The four-voice structure of the fugue lends itself particularly well to a saxophone quartet, allowing each instrument to highlight the interplay of voices with clarity and richness.
2. Premier Quartet, Op. 53 by Jean-Baptiste Singelée (1812-1875). Composed in 1857 and dedicated to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. It is the first saxophone quartet ever written, structured in the romantic period style with a slow introduction, sonata allegro, andante, scherzo with trio, and a rondo-finale.
3. Andante et Scherzo by Eugène Bozza (1905-1991). This piece reflects the Impressionist style of French music from the early 20th century. The Andante section flows with gentle, colorful melodies, while the lively Scherzo provides a contrast, making the piece both engaging and accessible.
4. Saxophone Quartet, Op.109 by Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936). This is one of the earliest quartets for saxophone, spanning various styles. The first movement evokes Dvořák, Wagner, and Brahms; the second, a canzona variée, references Schumann and Chopin, and the dynamic rondo finale recalls the forms of Bach.

The Zēlos Quartet is an award-winning chamber ensemble based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since the group first formed in 2017, they have been dedicated to performing a wide array of repertoire ranging from underrepresented contemporary works to transcriptions from the baroque, classical, and romantic eras. Committed to performing on saxophones that fit the acoustical specifications of its inventor Adolphe Sax, the Zēlos Quartet looks to connect with a variety of audiences to show the wide range of sounds and colors of the saxophone. Zēlos has been heard across the United States in live concerts such as 405 Shrader (San Francisco), Bainbridge Museum of Art (WA), Bridge Street Theater (NY), Beethoven Center (San Jose), and the Herbst Theater (San Francisco). They have also participated in summer music festivals such as Festival South (Hattiesburg, MS), the Mana Saxophone Institute (San Jose) and the National Music Festival (Chestertown, MD), where they have enjoyed performing for local audiences not only in the concert hall but equally comfortable in farmers markets and public spaces alike. Past season’s highlights include performing Philip Glass’ Concerto for Saxophone Quartet with the Redwood Symphony, as well as performing as season openers for the sold-out Music by the Sea chamber series as a part of winning the Beverly Hills International Auditions. Zēlos can be heard on NPR’s Live Sessions and has appeared twice on Northwest Focus Live! on Classical KING FM.

Price: $15 if purchased online until June 2, $25 after June 2 and at the door.

1:00–2:00 PM | Doors open at 12:30 PM | The Nourish Cafe by Tony Caters on campus is open for lunch before the concert. Linger after the concert for free snacks and beverages in the lobby.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Oshman Family JCC, Alber and Janet Schultz Cultrual Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, United States