Synchrony Quartet
Synchrony Quartet is a Chicago-based saxophone quartet dedicated to the performance of contemporary music and to fostering meaningful collaboration between performers, composers, and local arts communities. Formed out of acclaimed pedagogue Taimur Sullivan’s studio, the ensemble has quickly gained national recognition, having been named winners of the MTNA Chamber Music Competition, North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, and grand prize winners of the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. Additionally, Synchrony has been awarded the Anne D. Moran Silver Prize at the Chesapeake International Chamber Music Competition and named a quarter-finalist in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, with competitions scheduled for later this year.
Committed to expanding the saxophone quartet repertoire, Synchrony Quartet is currently premiering a new work by Stacy Garrop, a Chicago-based composer whose music has been commissioned and performed by leading ensembles including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The quartet is also collaborating with the composition department at the Bienen School of Music, premiering and recording three newly commissioned works for saxophone quartet. Through projects such as these, Synchrony seeks to support emerging composers while contributing to the evolving landscape of contemporary saxophone music.
Equally versed in a wide range of musical styles, the Synchrony Quartet has developed a project in which each member creates original arrangements and transcriptions of beloved classical works and popular music for saxophone quartet. By contributing their own selections, the ensemble curates a balanced program that expands the saxophone quartet repertoire with fresh additions.
Synchrony Quartet maintains a residency at Clara, a bar and performance space in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, where the ensemble presents innovative programs that bring new music into informal, community-centered performance environments. Recently, Synchrony was selected to present a featured recital at the International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium in Fairfax, Virginia, where the ensemble was highlighted by the conference as a “must-watch” group on the official event itinerary. The ensemble has performed around the country, with recent guest performances at the Peabody Conservatory and guest artist residencies at Sam Houston State University and James Madison University.
Synchrony Quartet is comprised of Philip Kleutgens (soprano saxophone), Hudson O’Reilly (alto saxophone), Matthew Johnson (tenor saxophone), and Haven Kahn (baritone saxophone).
