~Nois Saxophone Quartet to host free masterclass and concert at YSU

The ~Nois Saxophone Quartet, one of America’s premier chamber music ensembles, will visit YSU’s Dana School of Music Wednesday, April 1, for two free events. The Chicago-based quartet will lead a masterclass beginning at 4:00 PM in Room 2200 of YSU’s Bliss Hall, followed by a public concert at 7:30 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Wick Avenue.

Founded in 2016, the ensemble is dedicated to championing new music for saxophone and building community through innovative, inclusive, and exceptional musical experiences. ~Nois has earned recognition as a “prolific, charismatic young ensemble that is swiftly becoming the American saxophone quartet du jour” (Musical America) in addition to being “fiendishly good and fiendishly goofy” (Chicago Tribune).

Over nine years of music-making, ~Nois has presented more than 200 performances across 28 states, premiering over 120 new works by some of today's most compelling compositional voices. The ensemble has performed at top festivals and concert series nationwide, including LONG PLAY, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Princeton Sound Kitchen, and the University of Chicago Presents Series. Critics have noted that ~Nois has “continued to legitimize the saxophone quartet as a premier ensemble formation for classical music” (Brutal New Music).

As educators, ~Nois has held residencies at leading academic institutions including the University of Chicago (Don Michael Randel Ensemble in Residence, 2020–21), Princeton University (Princeton Sound Kitchen Residency, 2023), Michigan State University (MSUFCU Entrepreneurial Ensemble in Residence, 2022), and CU Boulder (Composition Department Ensemble in Residence, 2020–2025), among others. The quartet has also earned top prizes at prestigious competitions including the M-Prize International Arts Competition and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.

Entry to both events is free and open to the public. Parking is available at the Wick Avenue Deck (M30) for a $5 fee payable in cash only.