Solasta Saxophone Quartet

Solasta Saxophone Quartet

A dynamic chamber ensemble formed in September 2022 at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Mentored by members of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet the group focuses on classical works, contemporary pieces and transcriptions such as Eugene Bozza, Will Gregory and Peter Maxwell Davies. They have quickly gained recognition for their passionate performances and vibrant musical style. Since their first public concert in July 2023 the Solasta Quartet has gone from strength to strength. In 2024 they had success in chamber music competitions winning the Fewkes Woodwind Chamber Prize and the June Emerson Launchpad Prize. They also won the audience vote for their performance in the Christopher Rowland Chamber Ensemble of the Year Award in June 2024. The Solasta premiered two works by RNCM composers as part of Nature’s Music at the RNCM’s takeover of the Manchester Museum, performing amongst the museum exhibits that inspired the music. Solasta is a Scottish Gaelic word meaning ‘luminous, shining’ and reflects the quartet’s collective sound, inspires some of their repertoire choices, and is a nod to the heritage of their Scottish baritone player.

Eleanor Williams – Soprano saxophone

Nick Rushworth – Alto saxophone

João Correia – Tenor saxophone

Emily Manson – Baritone saxophone

The Solasta Saxophone Quartet appears by kind permission of the RNCM.