Participant
Zed
Chamber Music
A participant in the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition.
Biography supplied for the 2025 competition.
Zed is a visionary chamber ensemble dedicated to establishing the saxophone quartet as a pillar of chamber music. Through bold interpretations of traditional and contemporary repertoire, the commissioning of new works by underrepresented composers, and a strong commitment to educational and community engagement, Zed aims to inspire and connect with all audiences.
Founded at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2023, Zed has garnered national acclaim. They have earned First Prizes at the 2025 Plowman Chamber Music Competition, the 2025 Music Teachers National Association Chamber Music Competition, and the 2025 American Virtuoso National Music Competition. In their first season, Zed was awarded Second Prizes at the 2024 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and the 2024 NOLA Chamber Fest Emerging Ensemble Competition.
Zed has been featured on numerous concert series, including the Southeastern Young Artist Chamber Music Series, the Musical Excursions Series, the New Orleans Friends of Music chamber music series, the KMFA Midday Concert Series, and the Tetractys “Here Be Monsters” Festival. Additionally, Zed has given featured performances at the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, the Chamber Music America National Conference, the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Texas Music Teachers Association Conference.
Dedicated to educational and community engagement, Zed has presented concerts and masterclasses at Louisiana State University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas A&M International University. They are also current partners with non-profit organization Austin Soundwaves, providing accessible performances and workshops for students of all ages.
In alignment with their commitment to expanding the saxophone quartet repertoire, Zed has commissioned and premiered works by JoAnne Harris, Minoo Dixon, Christopher Prosser, and Ryan Lindveit. Upcoming commissions include new works by Ivan Trevino and Kian Ravaei.
