Meet our 2025 Artists in Residence, Nexas Quartet that aims to connect in a meaningful way with the 2MBS Fine Music Sydney audience base to continue to share their music and bring awareness of the beauty of their medium to a wider audience. Sharing with the wider community the incredible capacity of the saxophone and the joy of chamber music has been one of Nexas‘ focuses for many years and they see the Artist in Residence program as an opportunity to spread this message.
Nexas Quartet stands as a trailblazing saxophone ensemble known for redefining the boundaries of chamber music. Comprising saxophonists Michael Duke, Andrew Smith, Nathan Henshaw, and Jay Byrnes, the quartet has garnered widespread recognition for their exceptional musicianship and unique artistic approach.
Founded in 2002 the ensemble has a passion for versatility that seamlessly presents multiple genres of music whilst captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. Their innovative interpretations and bold programming showcase the saxophone’s expressive range and adaptability.
Nexas Quartet has achieved acclaim on both national and international stages, earning prestigious awards and accolades for their outstanding contributions to the world of chamber music. With a commitment to collaboration, they have shared the stage with renowned artists and continually push the boundaries of traditional repertoire.
Nexas has been privileged to perform in leading venues and festivals all around the world including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and World Saxophone Congress’ in Scotland, France and Croatia. Nexas has performed in a vast array of amazing locations, from the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre to Uluru and uninhabited islands in the Great Barrier Reef.
In 2025 the group will celebrate two significant milestones. Firstly, Nexas will release their 4th studio album – George Gershwin – Music for Saxophone Quartets which features a collection of some of Gershwin’s most notable works adapted for the ensemble. The album also showcases collaborations with some of Australia’s leading classical musicians: Gerard Willems, Peter Coleman-Wright, Cheryl Barker and Daniel Rojas.