PRISM Quartet

PRISM’s annual concert series in Michigan

Drastic Measures – re-release concert of PRISM’s first album!

December 02, 2024; First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor FIND OUT MORE

PRISM Quartet presents a program celebrating the XAS Records re-release of the group’s groundbreaking first album (1990, The PRISM Quartet on Koch International).  Spanning four decades of music making, the program features three works from the original disc by Jean-Baptiste Singelée, Russell Peck, and Matthew Levy, plus two recent compositions: Tiny Machines by Bill Ryan …

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PREMIERES (Michigan)

January 21, 2024; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

Hailed by The New York Times as a “bold ensemble” that “set the standard for contemporary-classical saxophone quartets,” PRISM Quartet presents a program of new music from an extraordinary collection of composers, including world premieres of works by  Hannah Kendall,  Andrew Litts, Renee Baker, and David Bennett Thomas, plus the Midwest premieres of Marcos Balter‘s “Yarn,” and PRISM’s …

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PRISM Quartet Meets Walter Blanding

November 19, 2023; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

Tenorist extraordinaire Walter Blanding—whose credits include collaborations with Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, and Aretha Franklin—joins PRISM Quartet for a program of music from the group’s ongoing Heritage/Evolution project. Launched in 2014 to celebrate PRISM’s 30th anniversary season, Heritage/Evolution offers a growing collection of distinctive pieces—a new fabric of saxophone repertoire—that draws on the …

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PREMIERES (MI) – Adam Silverman, Flannery Cunningham, Renee Baker, Roberto Sierra, Alfredo Cabrera

March 12, 2023; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

PRISM Quartet presents a program of new music from an extraordinary collection of composers, including world premieres of works by Adam Silverman and Flannery Cunningham, regional premieres from Renee Baker and Roberto Sierra, and a recent work from Michigan composer Alfredo Cabrera.     PROGRAM Pratigraha by Renee Baker Oci oci by Flannery Cunningham (world …

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PRISM Quartet Meets Bang on a Can

September 25, 2022; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

With over 300 commissions to its credit, the intrepid PRISM Quartet (Timothy McAllister, Zachary Shemon, Matthew Levy, Taimur Sullivan) presents a portrait of Bang on a Can‘s visionary co-founders in an all-saxophone program featuring the premiere of  In a delirium by Michael Gordon alongside performances of Cha by Julia Wolfe and Revolutionary Etudes by David Lang. Both PRISM and Bang on …

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Premieres (Ypsilanti, MI)

April 25, 2022; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

PROGRAM Old Tune Renewed (world premiere) by Bright Sheng Commissioned for the PRISM Quartet with generous support by the Fromm Music Foundation at Harvard University. Breath (world premiere) by Jungyoon Wie, winner of  The PRISM Quartet/Donald Sinta Commissioning Award Unsung Lullaby (Midwest premiere) by Juri Seo Mending Time (Midwest premiere) by Martin Bresnick Additional music TBA …

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PRISM Qtet w/Diego Rivera – New Works by Martin Bresnick, Juri Seo, Melissa Aldana, Terell Stafford (Ypsilanti, MI)

October 17, 2021; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this concert has been cancelled. All tickets will be fully refunded.  Tenorist extraordinaire Diego Rivera joins the PRISM Quartet for the Midwest premiere of Reflections by Blue Note recording artist Melissa Aldana. In her words, “Reflections is about transformation, a personal meditation on the stages of growth I experienced, and saw …

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PRISM Quartet: Free Concert at Interlochen

June 24, 2020; Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium FIND OUT MORE

PRISM gives a free public concert as part of its week-long Interlochen Center for the Arts Saxophone Institute. Click HERE for Interlochen campus information PROGRAM TBA: check back soon!

PRISM Quartet

PRISM Quartet: Premieres (Ypsilanti)

June 08, 2020; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

We’re sorry to inform you that this program been postponed until next season in an effort reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  Midwest premiere of Graffiti II by Roberto Sierra World premiere performances of: New work by Flannery Cunningham, winner of PRISM Quartet’s Robert Capanna Commissioning Award New work by Jung Yoon Wie, …

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Nina C. Young

PRISM Quartet: Music by Bresnick, Etezady, Haas, Reich, Young (Ypsilanti, MI)

October 06, 2019; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

PRISM QUARTET Timothy McAllister, soprano Zachary Shemon, alto Matthew Levy, tenor Taiur Sullivan, baritone GUEST ARTISTS From Timothy McAllister’s saxophone studio at the University of Michigan Soprano: Matthew Koester, Jordan Savage, Jeremy Howell, Brian Kachur Alto: Alex King, Andrew Hasher Tenor: Hannah Hickman, Philip Kleutgens Baritone: Jason Frazier, Mitchell Luttermoser On October 6th, the PRISM …

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PRISM Quartet: Free Concert at Interlochen

June 19, 2019; Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium FIND OUT MORE

PRISM gives a free public concert as part of its week-long Interlochen Center for the Arts Saxophone Institute. Click HERE for Interlochen campus information PROGRAM Concertino, Op. 78 J.B. Singelee (1812-1875) Sean Meyers, alto saxophone (graduate assistant) Liz Ames, piano Giant Steps John Coltrane (1926-1967) The Muse Andrew Bishop (b. 1970) Andrew Bishop, tenor/soprano saxophone Eric Banitt, piano …

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PRISM Quartet with Michael Dease

March 03, 2019; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

On March 3rd, the PRISM Quartet is joined by jazz trombone great Michael Dease in an eclectic program of new music at the First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti. In advance of an upcoming world premiere in New York City, Dease and PRISM will give a preview performance of The Waves by Dutch avant-pop composer Jacob TV, followed by select movements …

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PRISM Quartet plays Ypsilanti, MI

November 17, 2018; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

The PRISM Quartet presents an enticing program of recent music for saxophones at First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti. The program features three eminent Michigan composers: William Bolcom, Roshanne Etezady, and Evan Chambers. Chambers’ Deep Flowers features Tim McAllister on solo alto. Etezady’s Glint features McAllister and Zach Shemon in an alto duet. Graceful Ghost Rag is …

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PRISM Quartet Plays Interlochen

June 20, 2018; Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium FIND OUT MORE

PRISM gives a free public concert as part of its week-long Interlochen Center for the Arts Saxophone Institute. Click HERE for Interlochen campus information   PROGRAM Keen by Roshanne Etezady Schumann Bouquet, music from Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young arranged by William Bolcom  parcels of clarity by Elizabeth Hoffman Forbidden Drive by Matthew Levy (featuring Andrew Bishop)     …

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Diego Rivera

PRISM Quartet in Concert with Saxophonist Diego Rivera and Trombonist Michael Dease

April 03, 2018; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

The PRISM Quartet, whose ECM album The Fifth Century with The Crossing choir was awarded a 2018 Grammy, presents a concert in Ypsilanti, Michigan featuring two of the nation’s leading jazz artists, both of whom serve on the faculty of Michigan State University: saxophonist Diego Rivera and trombonist Michael Dease. Rivera and Dease will join …

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PRISM Quartet and Saxophonist Andrew Bishop Play Ann Arbor

October 16, 2017; First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor FIND OUT MORE

Hailed by The Los Angeles Times for “remarkable examples of virtuosity,” the PRISM Quartet returns to Ann Arbor, where it was founded more than 30 years ago, for a concert featuring music by several award-winning Michigan composers: Kristin Kuster (University of Michigan), Alexis Bacon (Michigan State University), and Christopher Biggs (Western Michigan University). The program …

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PRISM Quartet with WMU Symphonic Band: William Bolcom’s “Concerto Grosso”

October 15, 2017; Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University FIND OUT MORE

The PRISM Quartet joins the Western Michigan University Symphonic Band under Scott Boerma in a performance of  “Concerto Grosso” by the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, William Bolcom. Mr. Bolcom writes: “Concerto Grosso, written for the PRISM Quartet (which has included at different times a few of my former students in composition), was written purely as a piece …

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PRISM Quartet and Andrew Rathbun at Western Michigan University, Free Recital

October 14, 2017; Dalton Center Recital Hall FIND OUT MORE

Hailed by The Los Angeles Times for “remarkable examples of virtuosity,” the PRISM Quartet is presented by Western Michigan University in a concert featuring music by several award-winning Michigan composers: Christopher Biggs (Western Michigan University), Kristin Kuster (University of Michigan), and Alexis Bacon (Michigan State University). The program includes the world premiere of Biggs’ “Surfaces and Essences” and “Forbidden …

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PRISM Quartet Plays Interlochen

June 21, 2017; Corson Auditorium @ Interlochen Center for the Arts FIND OUT MORE

PRISM Quartet Recital 6 PM, Free Admission   PROGRAM Sarabande from French Suite No. 1 (1722) by J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Arr. Lawrence Dillon Mazurka No. 13 in A Minor, Op. 17 No. 4 (1833) by Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) Arr. Lawrence Dillon Night Music (2014) by Emma O’Halloran (b. 1985) Red Pine (2014) by Kristin Kuster …

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PRISM Quartet Plays Ann Arbor – CANCELLED

April 29, 2017; First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor FIND OUT MORE

THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR THE FALL. Hailed by The Los Angeles Times for “remarkable examples of virtuosity,” the PRISM Quartet returns to Ann Arbor, where it was founded more than 30 years ago, for a concert featuring music by two award-winning Michigan composers: Alexis Bacon (Michigan State University) and …

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Western Michigan University

October 23, 2016; Dalton Center Recital Hall FIND OUT MORE

Guest Artist Recital Part of the New Sounds Festival Click HERE for more info PROGRAM KEEN (2004) Roshanne Etezady (b. 1973) 20th ANNIVERSARY DEDICATIONS Bop (2004) Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962) Inkling (2004) Roshanne Etezady Lu (2004) Tim Ries (b. 1959) Howler Back (2004) Zack Browning (b. 1953) Fair and Balanced?, Incremental Change (2004) Frank J. …

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PRISM Quartet Concert (Ypsilanti, MI)

October 22, 2016; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

Hailed by The New York Times as “A bold ensemble that set the standard for contemporary-classical saxophone quartets,” the PRISM Quartet returns to its musical birthplace for an exciting program of contemporary music. Proceeds from the concert will benefit a residency program this year in which PRISM visits schools in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan …

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University of Michigan: Concert and Masterclass

October 21, 2016; Britton Recital Hall in the Earl V. Moore Building, University of Michigan FIND OUT MORE

The PRISM Quartet is the proud first recipient of the University of Michigan’s Christopher Kendall Award. As part of the festivities, PRISM presents a free concert and masterclass. Program: Saxophone Quartet (2014) by Georg Friedrich Haas (b. 1953) Schumann Bouquet by Robert Schumann (1810-1856), arr. 2015 by William Bolcom (b. 1938) I. Lieber Mai (The …

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Interlochen Arts Camp (Michigan)

June 22, 2016; Interochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium FIND OUT MORE

PRISM Quartet Recital 6:00 PM Free Admission Corson Auditorium Interlochen Center for the Arts 4000 S. M-137 Hwy. Interlochen, MI 49643 Above (2013) Matthew Levy Saxophone Quartet (2014) Georg Friedrich Haas (b. 1953) Schumann Bouquet by Robert Schumann (1810-1856), arr. 2015 by William Bolcom (b. 1938) I. Lieber Mai (The beautiful month of May) II. …

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PRISM Quartet, Diego Rivera and Andrew Bishop Join Forces for All-Saxophone Concert in Ann Arbor

March 26, 2016; Northside Community Church FIND OUT MORE

Hailed by NewMusicBox as “arguably the preeminent saxophone ensemble of its kind currently active in the United States” and for presiding “over what future music history textbooks might just look back on as a golden era for the sax quartet medium,” the PRISM Quartet presents a concert of intriguing music that bridges the saxophone’s dual …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Crescendo Detroit

March 24, 2016; Crescendo Detroit FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Crescendo Detroit Director: Damien Crutcher Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at Beckham Academy, has …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: McBride Middle School

March 23, 2016; McBride Middle School FIND OUT MORE

School Residency McBride Middle School Teacher: Tim Miller Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at Beckham Academy, …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Ellington Conservatory of Music & Arts at Beckham Academy

March 22, 2016; Ellington Conservatory of Music & Arts at Beckham Academy FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Ellington Conservatory of Music & Arts at Beckham Academy Teacher: Sean Patton Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Crescendo Detroit

March 21, 2016; Crescendo Detroit FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Crescendo Detroit Director: Damien Crutcher Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at Beckham Academy, has …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Grand River Academy

October 23, 2015; Grand River Academy FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Grand River Academy, Livonia Teacher: Micaela Acomb Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at Beckham …

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Roshanne Etezady

PRISM Quartet Benefit Concert: Music by Michigan Composers (Ypsilanti, MI)

October 23, 2015; First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti FIND OUT MORE

Hailed by The New York Times as “A bold ensemble that set the standard for contemporary-classical saxophone quartets,” the PRISM Quartet returns to its musical birthplace 31 years after it was founded for a concert benefiting the ensemble’s newly launched Southeast Michigan Residency. The concert features music by composers with Michigan roots, including Pulitzer Prize-winners …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy

October 22, 2015; Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy, Detroit Teacher: Colin Lord Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at Beckham …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Entrepreneurship Seminar at University of MI

October 21, 2015; School of Music, Theatre, & Dance, Watkins Hall FIND OUT MORE

The PRISM Quartet, in partnership with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance presents an Entrepreneurship Seminar for the benefit of student and emerging artists, and regional arts ensembles and cultural organizations. Establishing an Artistic Identity in a Crowded Field: This session will focus on the development of a unique artistic identity …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Cass Tech High School

October 21, 2015; Cass Technical High School FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Cass Technical High School, Detroit Teacher: Bryant McGee Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Grand River Academy

October 20, 2015; Grand River Academy FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Grand River Academy Teacher: Micaela Acomb Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at Beckham Academy, …

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Southeast Michigan Residency: Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy

October 19, 2015; Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy FIND OUT MORE

School Residency Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy Teacher: Colin Lord Not open to the public The Residency by the PRISM Quartet, organized in partnership with Progression, Inc./Crescendo Detroit, the John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Cass Technical High School, Grand River Academy, McBride Middle School, and Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts at Beckham Academy, …

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Interlochen Arts Camp (Michigan)

June 24, 2015; Interochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium FIND OUT MORE

PRISM Quartet Recital 6:00 PM Free Admission Corson Auditorium Interlochen Center for the Arts 4000 S. M-137 Hwy. Interlochen, MI 49643 Directions: http://www.interlochen.org/getting-here Map of Interlochen Arts Center Campus: http://www.interlochen.org/map Program Night Music (2014) by Emma O’Halloran (b. 1985) Above (2013) by Matthew Levy (b. 1963) DEDICATIONS Bop (2004) by Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962) Inkling …

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Donald Sinta Tribute Concert (Ann Arbor, MI)

September 07, 2014; University of Michigan Museum of Art FIND OUT MORE

The PRISM Quartet performs on a concert honoring Professor Donald Sinta, a seminal American saxophonist and pedagogue who retired from the University of Michigan after nearly 40 years of teaching. PRISM soprano saxophonist Timothy McAllister succeeds Prof. Sinta in 2014. PRISM performs Above by Matthew Levy; Steamboat by Michael Daugherty; and Name Day by Tim …

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Recital and Masterclass

March 29, 2009; Central Michigan University FIND OUT MORE

March 29, 2009 Central Michigan University Recital and masterclass Mt. Pleasant, MI