THIS CONCERT IS FREE FOR MEMBERS OF MEETUP BUT A DONATION IS APPRECIATED.

The Proteus Saxophone Quartet is redefining the traditional saxophone chamber music experience with their high energy, intense, and diverse performances. Named after the god of the sea, modular and versatile, the Proteus Quartet explores the numerous instrumental combinations of the saxophone family through the creation and performance of chamber music. Since forming in 2011 in Paris where they were each studying, these four Canadian saxophonists developed an immediate artistic bond and vision and upon their return, have committed themselves to presenting energetic, diverse, and beautiful concerts. The Proteus Saxophone Quartet has performed throughout Canada, France, and more recently, into the United States. Highlights of their performances include the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference in Illinois, the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, and Saskatoon’s Strata New Music Festival. In 2018 they toured across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba with Prairie Debut presenting concerts primarily in rural communities.

Without adhering to a singular aesthetic or stylistic genre, Proteus promotes collaboration with diverse guest artists in an attempt to advance new works for saxophone quartet. They are interested in working together with composers or performers throughout the creation process, currently having worked with Canadian composers Daniel Bellefeuille, Justin Boechler, John Celona, Robert Lemay, Alex Loewen, Paul Suchan; as well performers/improvisers Mark DeJong, Sean Perrin and François Rossé.

As educators, Proteus has performed school concerts and university master classes as part of their ongoing commitment to work with and promote chamber music to students. Often changing saxophones or staging during concerts, they benefit from these pauses by connecting with their audiences by telling stories where they explain concepts, ideas, and working relationships which describe composers and their compositions and are aimed at enhancing the concert experience.

www.proteusquartet.com

PROGRAM

Edvard Grieg [masked])

Arr. Maarten Jense

Aus Holbergs Zeit, Op. 40 (1884)

1. Praeludium
2. Sarabande
3. Gavotte
4. Air
5. Rigaudon

Daniel Bellefeuille* (1990)
Marpole (2016)

Thierry Escaich (b. 1965)
Tango Virtuoso (1991)

INTERMISSION

Paul Suchan* (b. 1983)

Camperville Cluster (2018)

1. (Fishin) Reel
2. Three Sisters
3. Cloudy Waters
4. Growling Old Man and the Grumbling Old Women
5. Broom Dance

Johann Sebastian Bach [masked])

Concerto nach Italienischen Gusto (1735)

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Presto

* Denotes Canadian composer
Proteus Quartet recognizes the generous support of the Canada Council for this concert.