|
The Apollo Saxophone Quartet is internationally acclaimed as one of the most innovative and exciting contemporary ensembles to have emerged in recent years. Established at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1985, the group set out to develop an original repertoire, drawing upon influences from a wide variety of cultures and disciplines, combining contemporary classical, jazz, folk and world music. Dedicated to a policy of commissioning and performing new works by today's leading composers, the Apollo Saxophone Quartet has thus become defined by its unique repertoire and has firmly established its position at the forefront of contemporary performance.
Richard Rodney Bennett, Graham Fitkin, Howard Skempton, Michael Torke, Django Bates, Michael Nyman and Bob Mintzer are just some of the composers who feature in the quartet's repertoire of over 70 works, which is now being further enhanced by the addition of original works by the members of the Quartet itself. The Apollo Saxophone Quartet now maintains a high profile at leading Festivals and venues throughout the UK, Europe and Japan, as well as giving regular radio and TV broadcasts. Their highly successful debut CD "First & Foremost" for Decca's Argo label reached no.3 in the UK classical music charts within one month of sales. They are also featured on ; Django Bates' Decca (Argo) release "Good Evening.....here is the news" performing his quartet (an Apollo commission), Travel Cartoons for the Blind, and Michael Torke's release on the same label "Overnight Mail", performing the Apollo commissioned quartet July and also Flint (for saxophone quartet, cello, double bass, and two pianos, one played by the composer himself). More about Apollo Saxophone Quartet on their website www.apollosaxophonequartet.com |
