The LOTUS Quartet, winners of the 2024 Fischoff Competition Senior Wind Division Gold Medal, are rapidly making their mark in the world of chamber music.
Formed in 2022 at Arizona State University, the quartet is composed of Giancarlo Lay (soprano saxophone), Johnathan Lee (alto saxophone), Keegan Ewan (tenor saxophone), and Jerick Meagher (baritone saxophone). Known for their exceptional versatility, they seamlessly blend classical, jazz, and pop styles to challenge the traditional boundaries of saxophone performance. As Meagher notes, “We want to show our versatility as musicians and what a saxophone quartet is capable of in areas that are not classical music.”
This season, the quartet makes their highly anticipated Presenting Series debut, bringing their innovative artistry to life as part of Fischoff’s Double Gold Tour. Learn more about the LOTUS Quartet below.
Can you tell us about how the Lotus Quartet started? How did you come together as a group?
Our first interactions were at the 2022 Great Plains Saxophone Workshop (GPSW), in Norman, OK. We were put in a quartet together by our professor, Dr. Creviston, and made our debut as the LOTUS Quartet on the student concert series at GPSW.
What are some of the most memorable performances you’ve had as a quartet?
LOTUS had the esteemed privilege of premiering Viet Cuong’s “Second Nature” alongside the ASU Wind Symphony in Las Vegas at the annual CBDNA conference. This was an extremely gratifying experience, as we were able to meet and work with Cuong as we took on the challenge of bringing his music to life. Another memorable experience we had was performing at the 51st Annual Fischoff competition. This performance was, to say the least, a life-changing experience for the members of LOTUS.
How do you choose the repertoire for your performances? Is there a specific theme or story behind your concerts?
We typically aim to choose repertoire that suits our group personality the most while also keeping in mind audience engagement. Our goal with programming repertoire is to create a fusion of elements and flavors that work collaboratively in order to bring listeners out of the concert hall and into our vision, with hopes that by the end of our show there is a sense of fulfillment and emotional satisfaction.
What is the most challenging piece in your current repertoire, and why?
“Prodigal Child” by John Fitz Rogers is currently the most challenging piece in our repertoire because of the rhythmic intricacies and difficult technique. This is a piece that requires an immense amount of mental focus and endurance, as well as precise ensemble communication.
How do you prepare before a performance?
We enjoy performing for our peers, as a way to prepare for a high-profile performance. We’ll sign up to play in recitals, in weekly studio classes, and find ways to perform around the community. Additionally, we do lots of listening and score studying in order to maintain as much of the musical details as possible.
How do you stay motivated throughout a demanding season?
Having fun in rehearsals is one of the key factors for us to consider while trying to stay motivated throughout a challenging season. We often spend some rehearsal time talking candidly with each other or reflecting on our experiences, as a way to keep things fresh and ensure that each group member feels heard and acknowledged.
What’s the most enjoyable part of your work? The most challenging?
LOTUS enjoys the process of creating music and the connection we feel with one another when doing so. Many of our most cherished memories actually take place during our regular rehearsals. On the other hand, some of the greatest challenges we face are also during the process of creating music. Preparing for a high-stakes performance is a challenge that we find to be most thrilling and nourishing for the soul.
What genres of music do you each enjoy, and which artists inspire you?
“Jazz, funk, R&B, rock, soul, and classical.” — Johnathan
“EDM, film music, classical, trap, hip-hop, and R&B.” — GianCarlo
“Everything.” — Jerick
“If it sounds good, it is good.” — Keegan
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I enjoy taking dance classes, composing for chamber ensembles, and catching up on the latest movie releases!”— GianCarlo
“I like to play mainly guitar, but also explore other instruments, write music, and play video games.” — Johnathan
“I enjoy watching sports and movies, listening to music, and cooking!” — Jerick
“I enjoy watching old movies and reading, throwing the ball for my dog, going down Wikipedia rabbit holes, and listening to music!” — Keegan
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with aspiring musicians?
Be kind to others, and stay open to new ideas and thought processes. Prioritize connecting with others and building your network as an artist as well. Being a good person is one of the most important things you can do in life, and in some cases, it can decide the trajectory of your entire career!
Even though there will be times when things are hard and you’re frustrated, I think it’s important to stay hopeful and continue putting in the work. As long as you continue to put in the work and stay hopeful, good things will come and more doors for opportunities will open.
We hope that you enjoyed learning more about the LOTUS Quartet! Be sure to join us for an unforgettable afternoon that redefines the boundaries of saxophone performance on Sunday, September 29.
September 29 at 4 p.m.
Presenting Series: LOTUS Quartet
LOTUS Quartet is the 2024 Fischoff Competition Senior Wind Division Gold Medal winner. Formed in 2022 at Arizona State University, Giancarlo Lay, soprano saxophone; Johnathan Lee, alto saxophone; Keegan Ewan, tenor saxophone; and Jerick Meagher, baritone saxophone, perform various styles, including classical, jazz, and pop. LOTUS makes its Presenting Series debut as part of Fischoff’s Double Gold Tour.
*Made possible by the Holzgrefe Family Performing Arts Endowment.
