KidsJam: Speaking in Tongues
2023-11-17 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
KidsJam Workshops are interactive programs that connect kids and families with community teaching artists to learn about the people, cultures, and musical traditions from around the world as they make music, move, and enjoy other creative activities.
KidsJam participation is free!
Registration is required.
(suggested ages 5-12)
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Speaking in Tongues will include three astonishing musicians from three different cultures with three native tongues – master drummer, multi-instrumentalist and composer Sowah Mensah from Ghana; Twin Cities master percussionist Marc Anderson; and Gao Hong, one of the world’s foremost performers on the Chinese four-stringed lute, the pipa. Hear captivating music played on a stage full of instruments from all over the world.

Landmark Live: Phillip-Michael Scales
2023-11-17 19:30 - 21:30 | F. K. Weyerhaeuser Aud. – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Phillip-Michael was born in Michigan, forged in Chicago, and now lives in Nashville, TN. He grew up with B.B. King calling him “nephew” and calls his music “Dive Bar Soul,” a blend of Indie Rock storytelling and the passion of the blues. In February of 2022, he caught the attention of Ellen Degeneres who featured him on her show.
Individual concert tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door (available on Ticketleap) or $70 for full season tickets, also available on Ticketleap. (Tickets include admission to the cocktail hour from 6:45-7:30 pm.)
6:45 pm – Cocktail hour // 7:00 pm – seating opens // 7:30 pm – Concert
Landmark Center presents “Landmark Live” in the F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium, presented with support from KFAI Radio and the Pioneer Press. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are preceded by a cocktail hour at 6:45 pm, giving audiences an opportunity to enjoy complimentary refreshments and a cash bar.

Romanian Film Festival
2023-11-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-11-19 13:00 - 15:00 | F. K. Weyerhaeuser Aud. – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
For this first edition of the Romanian Film Festival, HORA is showing four popular, and recently produced, Romanian movies. Dorian Branea, Director of Romanian Cultural Institute in New York City, local Minnesota film critics and historians, as well as HORA staff will participate in Q&A sessions about the films and will provide significant cultural insight. All movies are in Romanian language with English subtitles. Each movie is free, but registration is required.

Ballet Tuesdays
2023-11-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Landmark Center hosts FREE lunch-hour ballet performances and demonstrations, from 12-1pm, in partnership with Ballet Co.Laboratory.
November’s edition includes excerpts from Ballet co.Labratory’s upcoming Nutcracker ballet in December. The dancer’s special craft for kids is making your very own Nutcracker puppet!
2023/2024 season dates:

October 17, 2023
November 21, 2023
February 13, 2024
March 12, 2024
April 16, 2024

45th Annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
2023-11-30 10:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-01 10:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-02 10:00 - 17:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St W, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and shopping! Starting November 30, guests can find beautiful and unique handcrafted gift items by the area’s finest artists. The Bazaar features quality handcrafted items including, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, décor, woven and wearable art, handmade lotions, soaps and more! Festive music and delicious treats add to the enjoyment of holiday shopping.

Sundays at Landmark: Santa’s Workshop
2023-12-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Come for a free photo with Santa, and stay for games, gift making for loved ones, and an engaging story teller reading classic children’s Christmas stories.
Sundays at Landmark series is supported by Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County and Travelers.

Star of the North Concert Band
2023-12-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
The Star of the North Concert Band is a non-profit, charitable organization of over fifty musicians from the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities in Minnesota. The group was organized in 1994 to contribute to Minnesota’s musical tradition by providing an opportunity for local accomplished musicians to share their talents, develop their abilities, and make contacts with other performing musicians (locally, nationally, and internationally) via rehearsals, concerts, and tours.

KidsJam: Petite Concerts
2023-12-15 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-12 10:30 | Schubert Club Music Museum-Landmark Center, 75 5th Street W, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
KidsJam Workshops are interactive programs that connect kids and families with community teaching artists to learn about the people, cultures, and musical traditions from around the world as they make music, move, and enjoy other creative activities.
KidsJam participation is free!
Registration is required.
(suggested ages 5-12)
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Come join this lively musical performance and discover the sounds of the violin, clarinet, cello and even the Chinese erhu! Sing and move rhythmically as you follow along the classical music map of adventures presented by Petite Concerts.

Landmark Live: The OK Factor
2023-12-15 19:30 - 21:30 | F. K. Weyerhaeuser Aud. – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Olivia Diercks and Karla Colahan, cellist and violinst of the new-classical crossover duo, The OK Factor, have one word to describe their musical connection: lucky. Organic and genuine, their original compositions feel both comfortingly familiar and uniquely fresh, and have been described as “genre-bending” (Julie Amacher, MPR) and “pure magic” (Wausau Pilot & Review). The ease with which they write and perform has caught the attention of the Minnesota music community in which they live and work, bringing them success on stages such as The Cedar Cultural Center and as frequent featured artists with Minnesota Public Radio. Their distinct compositional and performance style awarded them the honor of being finalists for the prestigious McKnight Fellowships for Musicians in 2018.
Individual concert tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door (available on Ticketleap) or $70 for full season tickets, also available on Ticketleap. (Tickets include admission to the cocktail hour from 6:45-7:30 pm.)
6:45 pm – Cocktail hour // 7:00 pm – seating opens // 7:30 pm – Concert
Landmark Center presents “Landmark Live” in the beautiful and intimate F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium, with support from KFAI Radio and the Pioneer Press. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are preceded by a cocktail hour at 6:45 pm, giving audiences an opportunity to enjoy complimentary refreshments and a cash bar.

Sundays at Landmark: Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra
2023-12-17 13:00 - 15:00 | MN
Enjoy the music of this old-world string instrument in a concert of pops, classical and more.

Courtroom Concert: Artaria String Quartet
2024-01-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Artaria String Quartet: Bartók String Quartet Cycle
Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.
The nationally acclaimed Artaria String Quartet will perform all six of Bartók’s String quartets spread between three concerts in January.
Béla Bartók
String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Sz. 67
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102, BB 110
About the Artists:
“Minnesota’s foremost teaching and performing string quartet”, the Artaria String Quartet is an “exceptional ensemble with impressive confidence in its interpretations” Winners of the prestigious 2004 McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians, Artaria was featured on Twin Cities Public Television as part of the “Minnesota Originals” series, and were named 2013-14 Minnesota Public Radio Artists-in-Residence. They recently celebrated their thirty-fifth year of chamber music performing and educating. Artaria was formed in Boston, and mentored with venerable members of the Kolisch and Juilliard Quartets. Their “refined and thoughtful playing” brought them to the attention of Alexander Schneider, violinist of the legendary Budapest Quartet, who invited them to make their New York debut on his own New School Concert Series. Since then, they have performed at major venues throughout the United States and Europe, on national television and public radio, and at top international music festivals. In 1992, Artaria competed at the Fourth Banff International String Quartet Competition in Banff, CA. Earning numerous awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chamber Music America, and the Minnesota State Arts Board for excellence in performance and educational outreach, Artaria are founders of the highly regarded Artaria Chamber Music School in Saint Paul, MN, Stringwood Summer Chamber Music Festival, in Lanesboro, MN, and the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, which showcases the nation’s top high school and collegiate string quartets each April.

Sundays at Landmark: Minnesota Boychoir Concert
2024-01-07 13:00 - 15:30 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Members of the Minnesota Boychoir perform their annual Winter Concert. Two concerts will be performed at 1pm and 3:30pm.
Sundays at Landmark series is supported by Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County, Travelers, and Global Minnesota.

Courtroom Concert: Artaria String Quartet
2024-01-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Artaria String Quartet: Bartók String Quartet Cycle
Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.
The nationally acclaimed Artaria String Quartet will perform all six of Bartók’s String quartets spread between three concerts in January.
Béla Bartók
String Quartet No. 3, Sz 85
String Quartet No. 1 in A minor, Sz. 40, Op. 7
About the Artists:
“Minnesota’s foremost teaching and performing string quartet”, the Artaria String Quartet is an “exceptional ensemble with impressive confidence in its interpretations” Winners of the prestigious 2004 McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians, Artaria was featured on Twin Cities Public Television as part of the “Minnesota Originals” series, and were named 2013-14 Minnesota Public Radio Artists-in-Residence. They recently celebrated their thirty-fifth year of chamber music performing and educating. Artaria was formed in Boston, and mentored with venerable members of the Kolisch and Juilliard Quartets. Their “refined and thoughtful playing” brought them to the attention of Alexander Schneider, violinist of the legendary Budapest Quartet, who invited them to make their New York debut on his own New School Concert Series. Since then, they have performed at major venues throughout the United States and Europe, on national television and public radio, and at top international music festivals. In 1992, Artaria competed at the Fourth Banff International String Quartet Competition in Banff, CA. Earning numerous awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chamber Music America, and the Minnesota State Arts Board for excellence in performance and educational outreach, Artaria are founders of the highly regarded Artaria Chamber Music School in Saint Paul, MN, Stringwood Summer Chamber Music Festival, in Lanesboro, MN, and the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, which showcases the nation’s top high school and collegiate string quartets each April.

FamilyJam: Petite Concerts
2024-01-13 10:00, 2024-01-13 11:15 | Schubert Club Music Museum-Landmark Center, 75 5th Street W, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
FamilyJam builds on the success of KidsJam Workshops for Homeschool Families – interactive programs that connect kids and families with community teaching artists to learn about the people, cultures, and musical traditions from around the world as they make music, move, and enjoy other creative activities. FamilyJam will take KidsJam programs into the weekend, where kids and families will experience a short 25-30 minute concert in one of Landmark Center’s historic spaces, followed by instrument demos and other hands-on experiences with the musicians in the Schubert Club Music Museum. In keeping with Schubert Club’s goal of offering free tickets to children and students, FamilyJam will be FREE for all participants, however advance registration will be required through Schubert Club’s website.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Come join this lively musical performance and discover the sounds of the violin, clarinet, cello and even the Chinese erhu! Sing and move rhythmically as you follow along the classical music map of adventures presented by Petite Concerts.

Introduction to Pottery
2024-01-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Sunday, January 14, 1-3pm, room 317, Pottery class. Join the Heritage Organization for Romanian Americans in MN (HORA) for an introduction to pottery class with artist Darrel Trulson. Materials will be supplied and no experience is needed. This event is $20, please register here.

Courtroom Concert: Artaria String Quartet
2024-01-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Artaria String Quartet: Bartók String Quartet Cycle
Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.
The nationally acclaimed Artaria String Quartet will perform all six of Bartók’s String quartets spread between three concerts in January.
Béla Bartók
String Quartet No. 6 in D minor, Sz. 114, BB 119
String Quartet No. 4 in C major, Sz. 91
About the Artists:
“Minnesota’s foremost teaching and performing string quartet”, the Artaria String Quartet is an “exceptional ensemble with impressive confidence in its interpretations” Winners of the prestigious 2004 McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians, Artaria was featured on Twin Cities Public Television as part of the “Minnesota Originals” series, and were named 2013-14 Minnesota Public Radio Artists-in-Residence. They recently celebrated their thirty-fifth year of chamber music performing and educating. Artaria was formed in Boston, and mentored with venerable members of the Kolisch and Juilliard Quartets. Their “refined and thoughtful playing” brought them to the attention of Alexander Schneider, violinist of the legendary Budapest Quartet, who invited them to make their New York debut on his own New School Concert Series. Since then, they have performed at major venues throughout the United States and Europe, on national television and public radio, and at top international music festivals. In 1992, Artaria competed at the Fourth Banff International String Quartet Competition in Banff, CA. Earning numerous awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chamber Music America, and the Minnesota State Arts Board for excellence in performance and educational outreach, Artaria are founders of the highly regarded Artaria Chamber Music School in Saint Paul, MN, Stringwood Summer Chamber Music Festival, in Lanesboro, MN, and the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, which showcases the nation’s top high school and collegiate string quartets each April.

Sundays at Landmark: Urban Expedition Argentina
2024-01-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
The 2024 Urban Expedition series begins with a celebration of Argentina! Enjoy authentic music, food, dance, and crafts during this immersive program favorite. Be sure to get your passport and collect a stamp at each Urban Expedition event for a chance to win a prize!
Sundays at Landmark series is supported by Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County, Travelers, Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, and Global Minnesota.

2024 Saint Paul Winter Carnival
2024-01-25 - 2024-02-04 | MN
Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the “Coolest Celebration on Earth” since 1886 and is the oldest winter festival in the United States!
The Winter Carnival continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.
Dozens of free events, both traditional favorites and new attractions, will entertain those of all ages. Most events take place in downtown Saint Paul, in and around Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
Find the full schedule of events on The Saint Paul Winter Carnival website.
Dates

Thursday, January 25, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Monday, January 29, 2024
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Rates

Most Events: FREE

Most events are free and open to the public

Sundays at Landmark: Saint Paul Civic Symphony
2024-01-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
The St. Paul Civic Symphony will perform “Hot & ‘Cool’ Classics” celebrating the 2024 St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Courtroom Concert: Isles Ensemble
2024-02-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.
Members of the Isles Ensemble:
Tom Rosenberg, cello; Laura Sewell, cello; Ivan Konev, piano
with guest Patrick O’Keefe, clarinet
W.A. MOZART
Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano in E-flat Major, K. 498, “Kegelstatt”
NINO ROTA
Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano (1973)
About the Artists:
The Isles Ensemble has been enriching the musical landscape of the Twin Cities since 2004. Each member of the ensemble brings a wealth of artistry and experience to the stage, resulting in an outstanding group the Star Tribune called the “cream of the Twin Cities classical musicians.” The varied performing and teaching careers of the Isles Ensemble musicians include membership in the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, internationally touring string quartets (Lark, Chester, Manhattan) and college and university faculties.
Concerts are inspiring, fun and personal experiences for each audience member regardless of musical background. Repertoire is chosen from a wide range of styles and includes gems from the standard repertoire as well as little-known works that audiences will be pleased to experience, perhaps for the first time.

Sundays at Landmark: Urban Expedition Australia and New Zealand
2024-02-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
The 2024 Urban Expedition series continues by immersing you in Australia and New Zealand! Enjoy authentic music, food, dance, and crafts during this immersive program favorite. Be sure to get your passport and collect a stamp at each Urban Expedition event for a chance to win a prize!
Sundays at Landmark series is supported by Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County, Travelers, Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, and Global Minnesota.

Ballet Tuesdays
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Landmark Center hosts FREE lunch-hour ballet performances and demonstrations, from 12-1pm, in partnership with Ballet Co.Laboratory.
2023/2024 season dates:

October 17, 2023
November 21, 2023
February 13, 2024
March 12, 2024
April 16, 2024

Courtroom Concert: Gao Hong and friends
2024-02-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.
About the Artists:
Changyao Zhu, erhu
Yazhi Guo, Chinese winds
Zhongbei “Daisy” Wu, guzheng
Gao Hong, pipa
Famous Chinese erhu (fiddle) player Changyao Zhu won both the Excellent Performance Award of the National Instrumental Solo Competition and the Jiangsu Literature and Art Award in China.
Yazhi Guo is widely known as the best suona (oboe-like wind instrument) player in Asia and the winner of the 1998 International Pro Musicis Award and the 2012 Hong Kong Award for Best Artist.
Zhongbei (Daisy) Wu is an award-winning Guzheng (Chinese Zither) artist. She is now a Visiting Associate Professor of Music in the Performing Arts Center of Alfred University and the Director of the Confucius Institute at Alfred. She has performed for China Central Television, at Carnegie Hall, the United Nations Headquarters at New York, and the National Press Club in Washington DC.
Gao Hong, Pipa, is a 5-time McKnight Fellowship winner who has performed worldwide in solo concerts, with musicians from other cultures and genres, and with Western symphony orchestras and chamber players.

Mosaic Festival: Dance and Music of World Cultures
2024-02-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Musser Cortile – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Experience cultural customs from nations across the globe: music, dance, language, foods, traditional clothing, and arts and crafts. Event presented by Landmark Center and Ethnic Dance Theatre.
Tickets available at the door: $6 adults | $4 kids | Free for ages 6 and under
Schedule of Performances:
12:00 Makam Baklava – Music from Turkey and the Balkans
12:15 Turkish American Association of Minnesota (TAAM) – Turkish Dancers
12:25 Ethnic Dance Theatre – Ossetian
12:35 Dolina Polish Folk Dancers
12:45 Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca
12:55 Audience Participation
1:05 Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
1:15 Ethnic Dance Theatre – Franconian
1:25 Mila Vocal Ensemble -Songs of Eastern Europe
1:40 Dolina Polish Folk Dancers
1:50 Berkay and Aydan Yetkin- Dances of the Caucasus Mountains
1:55 TAAM Turkish Dancers
2:05 Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
2:15 CAAM Chinese Dance Theater
2:25 Soul Trouvere Musical Duo
2:40 Al-Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Theatre Egyptian
2:50 Ethnic Dance Theatre – North Bulgarian
3:00 Audience Participation
3:10 Katha Dance Theater
3:30 Al-Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Theatre Persian
3:40 Szaszka Transylvanian Band

Courtroom Concert: ANCIA Saxophone Quartet
2024-02-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Courtroom 317 – Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.
About the Artists:
Hailed by Chamber Music America as an ensemble which “approaches the commissioning and performing of new works as a special mission,” the Ancia Quartet (AHN-chee-uh) has been dedicated to expanding the saxophone repertoire for over thirty years. The quartet has shared its passion for new music with a diverse range of audiences around the world through performances filled with “energy, precision, and huge dynamic range” (Eugene Rousseau). The group’s unique ability to “create exquisite musical interpretations” have drawn commissions from an impressive array of contemporary composers, including such luminaries as Grammy Award-winner Libby Larsen, Pulitzer Prize- and two-time Grammy-winner Jennifer Higdon, and Pulitzer Prize-finalist Lei Liang.
Ancia places a high value on the “deeply collaborative” (CMA) nature of the commissioning process. The quartet has received a grant through the Alice M. Ditson Fund to complete their new CD, Confluence, which is being released on Albany Records. Confluence will feature the premier recording of Libby Larsen’s work of the same name commissioned by the quartet in 2015 and inspired by a shared concern for the environment. The quartet premiered the four-movement work, which depicts four endangered waterways from around the world, at the SaxOpen (World Saxophone Congress XVII) in Strasbourg, France later that year. To celebrate and discuss this exciting new work and its environmental theme, Ancia was featured live on Performance Today for a special Earth Day broadcast on National Public Radio. The CD will also feature works by Rutkowski, Ricker, Piazzolla, and Dodgion.
The group has continued to engage in collaborations with innovative composers and performers, most recently leading a consortium commission of a new work by Chris Rutkowski entitled “Changes.” Ancia has also worked closely alongside provocative Israeli composer Yehuda Yannay to push the members’ boundaries as saxophonists and musicians in his new composition, “The Center Does Not Hold.” Renowned “BEATBoX SAX” artist Derek Brown spoke fondly of his recent performance with the quartet, calling them “a top-tier ensemble with an incredible range of playing styles and emotions.”
Ancia takes its role as ambassadors of new music seriously, not solely through the commissioning of new works, but through performances of the most captivating existing repertoire. The ensemble particularly enjoys showcasing concertos – a genre often overlooked by saxophone quartets – by some of the most influential composers of our time, including Philip Glass (Concerto for Saxophone Quartet, with the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra) and William Bolcom (Concerto Grosso, with the Bloomington Symphony). Although the quartet’s mission privileges the creation and dissemination of new music, Ancia thoroughly enjoys transporting audiences across time and genre. The group expertly performs repertoire spanning centuries and styles, with programs as likely to include arrangements of 12th-century German mystic Hildegard von Bingen as those of jazz legend Duke Ellington.
Ancia has been the recipient of numerous national, regional, and local grants and awards, including awards from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Community Arts grants for seven consecutive years. Ancia has collaborated with composers through Society of Composers, Meet the Composer, American Composers Forum, and THE Commission Project.
Individually, Ancia members are active soloists, chamber musicians, and professional saxophonists in a broad range of musical genres, including work in classical, jazz, contemporary and popular idioms. Ancia members hold degrees from Eastman School of Music, Ithaca College, Kansas State University, the University of Minnesota, the New England Conservatory of Music, Northwestern University, St. Olaf College and the University of Wisconsin. As dedicated teachers, Ancia members serve as saxophone artist-teachers at Augsburg University, McNeese State University, LA, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Eastview High School, Apple Valley. They have presented masterclasses, workshops, and educational performances across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ancia is an Artist-Clinician Ensemble for Selmer Paris Saxophones and Vandoren Woodwind Products. The group is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Group members are: Matthew Sintchak (soprano saxophone), Joan Hutton (alto saxophone), Benjamin Cold (tenor saxophone), and Angela Wyatt (baritone saxophone).
