OU Professor Jeffrey Heisler and Assembly Saxophone Quartet to premiere Copley’s ‘Grosso Damn’

The Assembly Saxophone Quartet — featuring Oakland University Professor of Music Jeffrey Heisler — has been invited to perform the world premiere of composer Katahj Copley’s new saxophone quartet concerto, Grosso Damn, at the 2026 North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial Conference, hosted by The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

The premiere marks an exciting collaboration between the acclaimed quartet and one of the most dynamic emerging voices in contemporary composition. Copley’s Grosso Damn expands the boundaries of the saxophone quartet and concerto genres, blending the rhythmic vitality of modern groove-based writing with the energy and spirit of the concerto grosso tradition.

“Working with Katahj has been a dream collaboration,” said Heisler, soprano saxophonist of the Assembly Saxophone Quartet. “Grosso Damn pushes the sonic boundaries both technically and expressively — it’s bold, groovy, heartfelt, and full of visceral personality. We can’t wait to share it with the saxophone community.”

The North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference, which will take place from March 12-15, 2026, is one of the largest gatherings of saxophonists, composers, and educators in the world, and features performances, masterclasses, and lectures by leading artists from across the globe. The Assembly Saxophone Quartet’s featured performance highlights the ensemble’s ongoing commitment to championing new works and amplifying diverse contemporary voices in the saxophone community.

Formed in 2003, the Assembly Saxophone Quartet has quickly gained recognition for its adventurous programming, technical precision, and engaging performances that bridge classical, contemporary, and cross-genre repertoire. The group’s collaborations with living composers and innovative concert projects have established it as a leading advocate for the evolution of the saxophone quartet medium.

Copley is celebrated for his vibrant, stylistically diverse compositions that draw from classical, jazz, and popular idioms. His works are performed internationally and have become staples in the modern wind and saxophone repertoire.

The world premiere of Grosso Damn promises to be one of the highlights of the 2026 NASA Biennial Conference, Heisler said.

About the Assembly Saxophone Quartet

The Assembly Saxophone Quartet is dedicated to expanding the voice of the saxophone through dynamic performances, educational outreach, and collaborations with living composers. Known for its versatility and artistry, the Assembly brings together four unique voices in a shared vision of innovation, connection, and musical storytelling.

To learn more, visit https://www.assemblyquartet.com.