The Capitol Quartet is widely considered one of the most exciting ensembles performing today. Comprising saxophonists who are alumni of the premier military bands of the United States and teaching faculty at America's leading music schools, the Capitol Quartet 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 and recital stage.
Since its formation in 1991, the Capitol Quartet has performed regularly at major concert venues throughout the United States, earning wide acclaim for the ensemble's musical versatility and innovative style. The Capitol Quartet opened the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's 1999-2000 concert-season under the direction of famed American composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch, and was also featured in a specially televised live Independence Day concert with the Baltimore Symphony in 1999.
Other orchestras the Capitol Quartet has been featured with include the Cincinnati Pops, Guatemala National Symphony, Rochester & Erie Philharmonics, and the symphonies of Indianapolis, San Antonio, Long Beach, Virginia, Springfield(MO), Roanoke, Imperial, Bay-Atlantic, Butler, Loudoun, Williamsport and Grand Rapids to name a few. They have been requested back for numerous appearances with the Baltimore, Bay-Atlantic and Indianapolis Symphonies. The Capitol Quartet has also been featured with the United States Air Force's Heritage of America Band and the US Continental Army Band.
Dedicated to advancing music education, the Capitol Quartet regularly performs and lectures at National and State Music Educators conferences. The have recently appeared at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Conference, Illinois Music Educators Conference, Connecticut Music Educators Conference, Virginia Music Educators Conference, MENC's Eastern Division, American Band College, Bands of America's Summer Symposium, and West Chester's Marching Band Workshop. They have also performed masterclasses at several universities including Eastern Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Indianapolis, Dixie College and the Peabody Conservatory.
The Capitol Quartet's innovative program repertoire features special arrangements with orchestra as well as traditional French quartet compositions, contemporary works for saxophone, and transcriptions of classical and jazz favorites. The Capitol Quartet is also committed to expanding the repertoire of the saxophone quartet. They have recently commissioned four new works for saxophone quartet by composers Mark Wieser, Charles Ruggiero, James Curnow and John Fitzpatrick.
In 1994, the Capitol Quartet won the prestigious Baltimore Chamber Music Awards Competition, and in 1997 released its debut recording: American Sketches on the Klavier Records International label. Acclaimed by the Baltimore Sun as "a tour de force," and by American Record Guide as a "delectable release," the recording features original works by leading American composers and showcases the range of influences on the saxophone throughout the 20th century.
In February 2001, Summit Records released the Capitol Quartet's premiere orchestral CD entitled, Anything Goes, which features the Quartet and orchestra performing works such as It Don't Mean a Thing, Stella by Starlight, My Foolish Heart and Beethoven's Fur Elise. According to www.allaboutjazz.com, "This album can be summed up in one word: Enchanting".
In November 2004, the Capitol Quartet self-produced and released its second orchestral CD entitled, DIG. It features timeless orchestral masterpieces of composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, rearranged in fresh, clever arrangements with influences of America's greatest contribution to music--JAZZ. The recording showcases the Rochester Philharmonic with Jeff Tyzik conducting and producing.
Famed American composer and entertainer Marvin Hamlisch says of the Capitol Quartet: "I have had the great pleasure of performing with the Capitol Quartet. Their fabulous sound, professionalism and innovative program all combine for a wonderfully entertaining musical experience."
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