Xin Saxophone Quartet (XSQ), a highly versatile chamber group, and one of Singapore’s leading professional saxophone quartets, will represent Singapore at the upcoming World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia, held between 10 to 14 July.
Comprising Singaporean musicians, Michellina Chan, Alexis Seah, Yi Xiang Ang and Samuel Phua, they will be featuring 2 World Premieres of Singaporean works at the congress.
As fervent advocates for new music, the quartet has looked to their resident composer, Jay Ong, for a saxophone quartet work entitled ‘Transit Sketches II‘ which has been inspired by the sounds heard on Singapore’s public transport. They will also be partnering with recent Singaporean Conservatorium van Amsterdam graduate, Daniel Yiau for an energetic and spirited dance piece, titled ‘Sax Drive!‘
Alongside, the quartet will also be performing the popular ‘Homage‘ for saxophone quartet by Dr Zechariah Goh (Head of Composition at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore) and ‘The Serpent‘ by Alexander Oon (Winner of the Peru Embassy Tumi Award in 2016).
“#teamsingapore in Zagreb, Croatia! Not just a term in sporting events, but now also for music and classical saxophone! It’s a great honour to represent our tiny red dot, Singapore, on a global setting – we are exhilarated about presenting a program that is fully Singaporean and also a little nervous.” said Michellina Chan.
The Band Post wishes the Xin Saxophone Quartet all the best in their upcoming showcase.
World Saxophone Congress
Xin Saxophone Quartet
ACADEMY OF MUSIC Fran Lhotka Hall Trg Republike Hrvatske 12
12 July, 3pm
Jay Ong (1995): Transit Sketches II for saxophone quartet (premiere performance)
Zechariah Goh (1970): Homage
Daniel Yiau (1986): Sax Drive! (premiere performance)
Alexander Oon (1992): The Serpent
A contributing editor at TBP.