Nexas Quartet reimagines timeless love and rivalry through bold adaptations of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, Bernstein's West Side Story, and Matthew Hindson's electrifying contemporary vision for modern audiences

Nexas Quartet’s program traces the enduring power of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet through bold adaptation and contemporary response. Reimagining Prokofiev’s sweeping ballet score and Bernstein’s electrifying West Side Story, the ensemble reveals how themes of love, conflict, and fate continue to resonate across cultures and eras.

These iconic works are complemented by the distinctive voice of Australian composer Matthew Hindson, whose original vision reframes the timeless narrative with striking immediacy and energy. Through inventive arrangements and vivid musical storytelling, Nexas Quartet transforms familiar masterpieces while illuminating their shared emotional core.

This compelling program celebrates immortal love’s capacity to inspire reinvention, inviting audiences to experience a story that remains as urgent and affecting today as ever.

Presented by Nexas Quartet

Nexas will be performing Thomas Doss' "Spolight" - concerto for saxophone quartet and wind band. Spotlights is a fantastic virtuoso piece for saxophone quartet (SATB) and concert band that was commissioned by the outstanding Austrian saxophone quartet Mobilis. It is an impressive and exceptionally spectacular piece in which every member of the saxophone family is featured.

Nexas returns to the Bowral Autumn Music Festival for 2026. Presenting a varied lineup of works, bridging J.S. Bach, Leonard Bernstein and Matthew Hindson’s Scenes from Romeo and Juliet, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of its world premiere this year.

Brace yourself for an electrifying celebration of George Gershwin as internationally acclaimed pianist Simon Tedeschi joins the powerhouse Nexas Quartet on stage. Together, they unleash Gershwin’s genius in a program that fuses classical brilliance, jazz swagger, and dazzling improvisation.

From Tedeschi’s virtuosic solo moments to Nexas’ sizzling renditions of Summertime and An American in Paris, the night brims with colour and vitality. Add to that a sparkling new Medley of Gershwin’s greatest hits, and the stage is set for the ultimate finale: a thrilling reimagining of the legendary Rhapsody in Blue.

Presented by the Orange Chamber Music Festival, this is Gershwin as you’ve never heard him before—bold, fresh, and irresistibly alive.

At culmination of Ensemble Explorers 2026 with Nexas Quartet, students and parents are encouraged to attend the Nexas Quartet featured performance at 5:30pm, where the Nexas Quartet (including Nick Russoniello) will perform an exciting program of works by Gershwin and Bernstein – not to be missed!

Join the Nexas Quartet for an unforgettable night at the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room as they launch their highly anticipated Gershwin album. Experience George Gershwin's iconic music through fresh, bold arrangements reimagined for saxophone quartet. From the jazz-infused energy of American in Paris to the soulful Summertime, the ensemble brings a new dimension to Gershwin's timeless compositions. Special guest Vatche Jambazian performs Rhapsody in Blue in an exclusive arrangement, adding his unique flair to the evening. Don't miss this captivating performance that blends classical virtuosity, jazz rhythms, and the unmistakable sound of the saxophone. A perfect night for music lovers seeking an exciting twist on American musical classics.

Elder Conservatorium of Music: Saxophone Mega Day

Date: Saturday 17 May 2025 Time: 10:30am–5:00pm Venue: Hartley Concert Room, The University of Adelaide Registration Fee: $20 (plus booking fee)

A full day dedicated to all things saxophone! Whether you're a student, teacher, or passionate sax enthusiast, the Elder Conservatorium's Saxophone Mega Day offers a jam-packed schedule of workshops, performances, and expert sessions.

Bring your instrument, your questions, and your love of music—this is a Mega Day not to be missed!

Special Guests: 🎷 Nexas Saxophone Quartet — one of Australia’s leading saxophone ensembles. 🎷 Sarah Byron — saxophonist and educator extraordinaire. 🎷 Bruce Jacobson — from Grevillea Distributions, here to talk all things gear. 🎷 Simon Clarke — Presto Music's saxophone historian. 🎷 Nathan Henshaw — blending jazz and classical worlds.

Program Highlights:

10:30am: Welcome and Registration Check in, grab your name tag, and get ready for a fun-filled day of music-making and saxophone community.

11:00am: Warm-Up and Saxophone Choir with Sarah Byron Start the day with a group warm-up led by Sarah Byron, followed by a large-scale saxophone choir rehearsal that brings everyone together in sound.

12:00pm: Session 1 - Gear Session with Bruce Jacobson (Grevillea Distributions) Explore the latest in saxophone gear and accessories, with expert insights from Bruce Jacobson on reeds, mouthpieces, maintenance, and more.

1:00pm: Lunch Break Take a break, refuel, and connect with fellow saxophonists over lunch (BYO or enjoy nearby cafes). Have some time to try out some new gear!

1:30pm: Session 2 - Historical Saxophones with Simon Clarke (Presto Music) Dive into the rich history of the saxophone, with rare instruments on display and stories of how the sax has evolved through time.

2:30pm: Masterclass with Members of the Nexas Quartet Watch and learn as members of Nexas coach selected performers, sharing professional tips on tone, technique, and musical interpretation.

3:30pm: Session 3 - Crossing Over with Nathan Henshaw Explore how to move between jazz and classical styles, with practical advice and musical examples from versatile performer Nathan Henshaw.

4:30pm: Mini Concert featuring Nexas Quartet & Saxophone Choir Celebrate the day with a short concert showcasing the Nexas Quartet and the Mega Day Saxophone Choir in a joyful finale.

5:00pm: Finish A big thank you and farewell — leave inspired, informed, and buzzing with saxophone energy!

Event Sponsors

Proudly supported by Presto Music and Presto Musical Repairs, Vandoren, and Légère.

Nexas Quartet

with Lloyd Van’t Hoff clarinet

and Elder Conservatorium students

The Sydney-based Nexas Quartet is a trailblazing saxophone ensemble known for redefining the boundaries of chamber music. Comprising saxophonists Michael Duke, Andrew Smith, Nathan Henshaw, and Jay Byrnes, the quartet has garnered widespread recognition for their exceptional musicianship and unique artistic approach. United by the folkloric influences inherent in a diverse selection of music from Bartók, Guillermo Lago, Jacques Ibert, Elena Kats- Chernin, Lutosławski, and Annbjørg Lien, their recital includes two collaborations with our Head of Woodwind, Lloyd Van’t Hoff, and concludes with performances of Grainger and Dvořák performed alongside students of the Elder Conservatorium.

Nexas return to Mosman Concert Series for 2025. Showcasing a program filled with classic masterworks and original saxophone quartet works.

This trailblazing saxophone ensemble has been surprising and delighting audiences since 2002 with their mastery across musical genres, adventurous collaborations and dynamic performances. Their innovative interpretations and bold programming showcase the saxophone’s expressive range, its adaptability and the luscious blend of different saxophone voices in a quartet.

The program will explore the long shadow of Nadia Boulanger, the famous but self-effacing Parisian musical pedagogue of the early twentieth century. Work by Boulanger will be presented alongside works by Gershwin, Piazzola and Francaix, all significant composers who were drawn like moths to Boulanger’s salon in search of guidance.

Nexas are a hot ticket in demand across Australian and international festivals. Come and hear what the buzz is all about!

Nexas will be performing a selection of classic works reimagined for the saxophone quartet as well as showcasing standard rpertoire for the ensemble.

Transcendent Reverie: Saxophone and Voice Unite Experience an evening of musical transcendence with the Nexas Saxophone Quartet and acclaimed baritone Peter Coleman-Wright in Transcendent Reverie. This unique program weaves together the delicate beauty of Debussy's Suite Bergamasque and Beau Soir with the expressive passion of Ravel's Don Quichotte à Dulcinée.

After the interval, immerse yourself in the mysterious soundscapes of Michael Duke's Attacko del piece phantasma before being moved by Mahler’s profound Rückert-Lieder, where the voice of Coleman-Wright and the rich harmonies of the Nexas Quartet come together in a spellbinding performance.

This concert promises an unforgettable exploration of classical elegance and contemporary depth, showcasing the extraordinary fusion of saxophone and voice.

Presented by Nexas Quartet

Join us for a captivating afternoon of musical exploration at the upcoming Nexas Quartet concert, where Ravel’s iconic string quartet is reimagined in the rich tones of saxophones. Experience the vibrant soundscapes of the Weimar era with selections from Kurt Weill’s timeless “Threepenny Opera” brought to life with unparalleled passion.

Claude Debussy's “Clair de Lune” from “Suite Bergamasque” is a delicate, ethereal piece that evokes the serene beauty of moonlight through its flowing melodies and impressionistic harmonies.

As a highlight, the quartet will be accompanied by Sydney flautist Bridget Bolliger, whose enchanting melodies will weave the brilliance of Weill and Villa-Lobos into an unforgettable performance of classical innovation and mastery.

To close, Kurt Weill's “September Song” is a poignant, melancholic ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of love, set to a simple yet emotionally powerful melody.

Nexas will be performing as part of the featured artists line up for the 2024 Bravo Cruise.

Presented by Tamworth Conservatorium, the Nexas Quartet performs a selection of classic masterworks including music by Franck, Piazolla and Gershwin.

Nexas Quartet stands as a trailblazing saxophone ensemble known for redefining the boundaries of chamber music. Comprising saxophonists Michael Duke, Andrew Smith, Nathan Henshaw, and Jay Byrnes, the quartet has garnered widespread recognition for their exceptional musicianship and unique artistic approach.

Founded in 2002 the ensemble has a passion for versatility that seamlessly presents multiple genres of music whilst captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. Their innovative interpretations and bold programming showcase the saxophone's expressive range and adaptability.

Join us for an afternoon of refreshingly novel takes on well-known classics, as well as much you won't have heard before!

Join Nexas Quartet on a captivating journey through 'Now & Then', where classical tradition meets contemporary vision in a night of unforgettable music. Showcasing iconic classical works and new music by Australian composers.

Program:

Prélude, Fugue et Variation op. 18 - César Franck (arr. Andrew Smith).

A Rousseau Gallery - Ian Whitney (WORLD PREMIERE)

Quartet in F Major - Maurice Ravel (arr. Aurelia Saxophone Quartet).

Nexas is delighted to be performing as part of the 2024 Newcastle Music Festival where they will present their 'A Saxophone in Paris' program featuring a selection of French composers and music inspired by the Parisian landscape.

Nexas return to Live at Lunch at The Concourse. Joining forces with renowned Australian flaustist, Jane Rutter, this concert will showcase iconic works from the Gershwin songbook.

Arts in the Valley presents 'From Paris to New York'. A program featuring music of French and American classics including Bozza, Rivier, Glass and Gershwin.