DESCRIPTION:
This video was recorded during the 2016 Inaugural M-Prize Competition at the University of Michigan.

Leafless Trees by David Laganella
I. Unyielding
II. Separated from the Others
V. Towards the Sky

"Leafless Trees was composed in the especially harsh winter months of February and March 2010. The movements of the composition where inspired by observations made in the park close to my home during and after a severe blizzard. The scenes from winter storm include being lost in a complete white out from relentless snow. Also observing limbs from giant maples swaying several feet in either direction from the wind, as well as and the aftermath of the wind and the weight of the snow on fallen limbs and uprooted trees." -- David Laganella

Kenari Quartet

Bob Eason, Soprano Saxophone
Kyle Baldwin, Alto Saxophone
Corey Dundee, Tenor Saxophone
Steven Banks, Baritone Saxophone

Formed in 2012 at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, the award-winning Kenari Quartet has taken pride in delivering engaging performances through creative programming and compelling stage presence. The versatility of the saxophone is integral to the quartet and the present music from a wide range of genres that is well informed by all periods of classical music as well as jazz, soul, and other genres. The group has earned top prizes at the M-Prize Chamber Music Competition, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the J.C. Arriaga Chamber Music Competition, the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, Chesapeake Bay International Chamber Music Competition, and the Coleman Chamber Music Competition.

In collaboration with Naxos Records, the quartet recently completed the recording of their first album, which will feature the music of French composers Eugéne Bozza, Alfred Desenclos, Pierre Max Dubois, Jean Françaix, Gabriel Pierné, and Florent Schmitt. The Album will be released towards the end of 2016.