2019 Season

Zelos Saxophone Quartet

January 6, 2019

Winner of the 2018 Frances Walton Competition, this vibrant and youthful ensemble, based in San Jose, CA, is dedicated to performing a wide array of repertoire ranging from underrepresented contemporary works to transcriptions from the baroque, classical, and romantic eras. Their one-time-only pitstop in Catskill is guaranteed to warm a wintry upstate afternoon. These kids take no prisoners!

Members:

Julian Salazar, Soprano
Johnny Selmer, Alto
Robin Lacey, Tenor
David Cortez, Baritone

The Zēlos Quartet is 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 recently toured Seattle, Washington where they performed for 1,200 people and played a live radio broadcast for King FM 98.1. Zēlos has participated in summer music festivals such as Festival South (Hattiesburg, MS) and the National Music Festival (Chestertown, MD), where they connected with local audiences through public performances in retirement homes, farmers markets, and house concerts. They have also been extensively coached by the critically acclaimed Mana Quartet and participated in masterclasses by the award-winning Verona String Quartet and Amethyst Quartet.

Based in San Jose, the quartet performs extensively around the San Francisco Bay Area. Zēlos regularly performs for First Friday, Groupmuse, Art Exhibits, and Open Mics. They were also the only student led ensemble to be invited to play in the 2017 San Jose State University Kaleidoscope concert.

Recent awards of the Zēlos Quartet include 1st place in the 2018 Frances Walton Competition, advancing the Nationals Finals of the 2018 MTNA Chamber Music competition and winning SJSU’s Concerto Competition and Music Study Club Competition.