Who we are

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 quartet 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 captivate audiences.

Cerus champions both new music and timeless repertoire. They have premiered works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon, Karalyn Schubring, and Joey Karz, with a significant commission by Ryan Lindveit debuting in 2025. Their unique programming approach—pairing newly commissioned works with transcriptions of classical mainstays—has not only earned them critical acclaim and competition success but has also shaped a distinctive ensemble sound, allowing them to seamlessly adapt to a wide range of performance settings and musical styles.

The quartet was named the winner of the 2025 Concert Artist Guild Louis and Susan Meisel Competition. As part of that honor, Cerus was awarded the inaugural Bohemians Artist Residency and the Robert A. Levinson and Patricia S. Levinson Arts Achievement Award, offering tailored resources to accelerate their career development. Additional accolades include the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, First Prize in the 2024 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition, and First Prize with the Michigan Prize at the 2023 Briggs Chamber Music Competition.

Performing across the U.S. and internationally, Cerus recently appeared at the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, where they emphasized education and community engagement, presenting interactive workshops as well as community performances designed to inspire and connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In the summer of 2025, the quartet participated in the IPR Sound Garden Project, bringing innovative performances to public and community spaces. They were also featured as concerto soloists with the University of Michigan Symphony Band Chamber Winds, performing Chen Yi’s Ba Yin. Based in Ann Arbor, the ensemble is composed of Roberto Campa (soprano saxophone), Laura Ramsay (alto), Kyle Kato (tenor), and Samuel Dishon (baritone).

Their 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.