Music Style: Classical
The Gold Line Saxophone Quartet, named for Pasadena’s local metro Gold Line, presents a program featuring Dvořák, Ravel, an exciting new saxophone octet by ensemble member Joseph David Spence, and more.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Gold Line Quartet (GLQ) is a Los Angeles based ensemble whose members have saxophone degrees from the University of Southern California, The Hartt School, and the Jacques Thibaud Conservatory of Bordeaux.
The quartet has been recognized as a top performer on gigsalad.com for positive audience reviews and great communication with venues.
The Gold Line Quartet is inspired by the running of the Gold Line crossing from Azusa across the I-210 freeway to Union Station and beyond. We understand that life is a hustle for everyone (us included!), and we want to provide a touch of magic in a world that is often a challenging grind. The group also takes inspiration from the Red Line Saxophone Quartet. Founded in 2008 at the Eastman Conservatory of Music, Red Line was one of the early pioneers of memorized program performance and set a standard for chamber music that we are proud to pursue.
Soprano
Dr. Isaac López has worked with various Symphony Orchestras in Northern California including the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, Modesto Symphony, Merced Symphony, and in his hometown with the Stockton Symphony. Outside of the symphonic halls, Dr. López enjoys composing, arranging, and performing with his Latin-Soul band, Korduroy, with whom he has recorded an EP of original music. Recently, he has also taken on the exciting challenge of film composition, with the release of horror-comedy short, “The Bogeyman,” and his upcoming Sci-Fi short premiere, “Phenomena.” This year will be an exciting one for Dr. López, with plans of recording an album of classical works from throughout Latin America, in addition to the release of his podcast, “Polytonality”: a long-form interview format, illuminating the multifaceted and decorated careers musicians create for themselves to stay both “afloat” and to remain constantly inspired.
Alto
Rachel Wolz is a saxophonist and educator based in Los Angeles, California. She is a recipient of the Eugene V. Cota-Robles Fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance. At UCLA, Rachel participates in the Gluck Fellows Program, which offers chamber music experiences to underserved communities across Los Angeles county. She holds graduate degrees in Saxophone Performance and Music Composition from Illinois State University and Saxophone Performance and Music Theory from the University of Oklahoma. As an active performer, Rachel plays alto saxophone in the Gold Line Saxophone Quartet, whose mission is to impact the community in Los Angeles with engaging fine art music. Rachel’s primary instructors include Dr. Paul Nolen, Dr. Jonathan Nichol, and Dr. Jan Berry Baker.
Tenor
Saxophonist, composer, educator, Joseph David Spence has made a name as an advocate for the saxophone in the concert hall and in his own compositions. A native of Southern California, Spence has performed in throughout the United States and internationally in such prestigious concert venues as Meng Concert Hall (Cal State Fullerton), Hatch Recital Hall (Eastman School of Music), He Lu Ting Concert Hall (Shanghai), and Beijing Concert Hall. Spence’s music has been performed throughout the United States including premieres at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, California State University, Fullerton, and The Hartt School.
Baritone
Jacob is a performing artist, composer, and author of Ready Set Go: Life Hacks for Young Musicians. Hallman has commissioned new works by Cheryl Bocanegra, Michael E. Anderson, Joshua D. Peterson, and Christian Lauba. Hallman also produced a jazz quartet album titled In the Hall featuring pop hits like Super Mario Bros. as well as original compositions. Hallman has also translated, in collaboration with Dr. William Street, Towards a History of the Saxophone and Saxophonists. Written by J.M. Londeix, the author offers a history of the the instrument from the birth of its inventor, Adolphe Sax, until the end of the 19th century. He has performed in Argentina, France, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Thailand, and the United States. He is a huge Legend of Zelda and Kansas City Chiefs fan. You can find his music on YouTube under @jacobhallman
