Zed is a visionary chamber ensemble dedicated to establishing the saxophone quartet as a pillar of chamber music. Through bold interpretations of traditional and contemporary repertoire, the commissioning of new works by underrepresented composers, and a strong commitment to educational and community engagement, Zed aims to inspire and connect with all audiences.
Founded at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2023, Zed has garnered national acclaim. They have earned First Prize & Audience Choice at the 2025 Plowman Chamber Music Competition, First Prize at the 2025 Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Chamber Music Competition, and First Prize at the 2025 American Virtuoso National Music Competition. In their first season, Zed was awarded Second Prize at the 2024 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Second Prize at the 2024 NOLA Chamber Fest Emerging Ensemble Competition, and finalist recognition at the 2024 Coltman Chamber Music Competition.
Zed has been featured on numerous concert series, including the Southeastern Young Artist Chamber Music Series, the Musical Excursions Series, the New Orleans Friends of Music chamber music series, the KMFA Midday Concert Series, and the Tetractys “Here Be Monsters” Festival. Additionally, Zed has given featured performances at the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference, the Chamber Music America National Conference, the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Texas Music Teachers Association Conference. In 2024, they appeared as soloists with the University of Texas Wind Ensemble in the consortium premiere of Viet Cuong’s Second Nature.
Dedicated to educational and community engagement, Zed has presented concerts and masterclasses at Louisiana State University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas A&M International University. They are also current partners with non-profit organization Austin Soundwaves, providing accessible performances and workshops for students of all ages.
In alignment with their commitment to expanding the saxophone quartet repertoire, Zed has commissioned and premiered Cathedral Lakes (2024) by JoAnne Harris, Air Poem no. 1 (2024) by Minoo Dixon, Transformations (2025) by Christopher Prosser, and Living Plants (2025) by Ryan Lindveit. Upcoming commissions include new works by Ivan Trevino (2026) and Kian Ravaei (2026).
Based in Austin, Texas, the members of Zed are Connor O’Toole on soprano saxophone, Jacob Feldman on alto saxophone, Marina Sakellakis on tenor saxophone, and David Bennette on baritone saxophone.
Our Mission
Zed is committed to establishing the saxophone quartet as a necessary sound in concert music. Through a unique interpretation of standard repertoire along with new works, Zed has developed a sound which transcends genres, and is a culmination of the diverse backgrounds of the group’s members and goals. Through the commissioning of new works by underrepresented composers, Zed will continue to advance the repertoire of the saxophone quartet to fit the needs of a new generation.