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. Zed has 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 was also honored as semi-finalists in the 2025 Walter W. Naumburg Chamber Music Competition, making history as one of the first saxophone quartets to earn this distinction.

Zed has been featured on numerous concert series, including 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 recitals and masterclasses at acclaimed universities such as Louisiana State University, Baylor University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas Woman’s University, among others. They are also current partners with non-profit organization Austin Soundwaves, providing accessible performances and workshops for students of all ages. 

Zed was named a 2024–2025 Rainwater Grant recipient, supporting the creation of a high-quality recording of Ofrenda for a Friend (2026) by award-winning composer Ivan Trevino, a new saxophone quartet written for Zed. In alignment with their commitment to expanding the repertoire, the ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by multiple underrepresented composers, including Viet Cuong, JoAnne Harris, and Minoo Dixon, with upcoming commissions by Kian Ravaei, among others.

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.

Meet The Members

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 that 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.