Music lovers are in for an unforgettable evening as Cooperstown Concerts presents the award-winning Cerus Quartet at the intimate Fenimore Art Museum theater (Thursday, April 16, 7:30 PM, 5798 NY-80, Cooperstown). Buy Tickets here.
Emerging as one of the most compelling chamber ensembles of their generation, the Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the group seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st-century classical music. Their mission is driven by diverse, engaging programming, and innovative visual elements that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Cerus champions both new music and timeless repertoire. Their unique programming approach – pairing newly commissioned works with transcriptions of classical mainstays – has earned them critical acclaim and competition success, and has also shaped a distinctive ensemble sound, allowing them to seamlessly adapt to a wide range of performance settings and musical styles.
They have recently been named the winner of the 2025 Concert Artists Guild Louis and Susan Meisel Competition and have received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, First Prize in the 2024 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition, and First Prize and the Michigan Prize in the 2023 Briggs Competition.
“Cerus Quartet has delighted audiences around the world with their technical brilliance and dynamic chemistry,” said Randy Smith, President of Cooperstown Concerts. “Those who attend this intimate concert will walk away with a newfound appreciation for the saxophone as a chamber music instrument, and for its exceptional versatility in a quartet arrangement. We’re excited to present this one-of-a-kind experience in our community as part of Cooperstown Concerts’ ongoing commitment to promote cultural growth through live music and to bring world-class music close to home.”
Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the quartet includes Roberto Campa (soprano), Laura Ramsay (alto), Kyle Kato (tenor), and Samuel Dishon (baritone). The quartet’s name draws from Greek mythology – Cerus was a wild bull transformed by the goddess Persephone, a story of chaos tamed into beauty. This myth mirrors the quartet’s artistic vision: to reimagine the saxophone as a medium of beauty and expressive depth, deserving of a central role in 21st-century classical music.
The group also devotes time to inspire and connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, for example, bringing innovative performances to public and community spaces. Before the evening performance at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, Cerus will visit with students and perform at Cooperstown Elementary School earlier in the day.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the performance at the intimate Fenimore Art Museum theater are available online and may be available at the door. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org. Tickets are: Adults $35; Students (with College ID), $10; Youth (6 to 18), $10; Under age 6, Free.
This show is sponsored by Bieritz Insurance, and by 2025-2026 Season Sponsor Wayne Bank. 2025-2026 Season Programs are made possible in part by the Scriven Foundation.
About Cooperstown Concerts
Founded in 1970, Cooperstown Concerts has served as a home for live music dedicated to bringing an eclectic mix of world-class live music to our community. The 2025-2026 season continues this tradition of excellence, featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites. With a commitment to diversity in programming and a deep connection to its audience, Cooperstown Concerts offers an opportunity for people to come together, experience and engage with high-quality music from around the globe and enjoy a great performance close to home. Cooperstown Concerts is an independent, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
