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Since 2002 one of the primary goals of The Lunar Saxophone Quartet has been to make new music more accessible to British audiences. Using previously unexplored formats of instrumentation and a fusion of compositional styles throughout performances, the LSQ aim to bring a fresh approach to the saxophone quartet genre. The quartet's devotion to their profession, based on their training at renowned UK conservatoires, is reflected in the emphasis placed on quality in their work . The strong new music policy adopted over the last 5 years has been the foundation of the group's identity with composers including Eric Schwartz, Gabriel Jackson, Lucy Pankhurst, Ashley John Long and Dave Stapleton all being commissioned to write works for the ensemble. Upcoming recordings include the LSQ's collaboration with jazz pianist and composer Dave Stapleton, which is to be expanded to include drums, bass and trumpet and released on Red Eye Music during Autumn 2008 whilst the quartet's own album 'FLUX' featuring new music by Andrew Keeling, Graham Fitkin, Andrew Poppy, Ashley John Long, Michael Nyman and Gabriel Jackson is to be released in Spring 2009 on Delphian Records. The LSQ have always been enthusiastic about performing young composers' work and it seemed logical that some kind of platform should be created to help encourage some very talented composers studying at University and Music College to write for the saxophone quartet genre. 2007 saw the first LSQ New Music Competition sponsored by Sax.co.uk with students at thirteen different institutions submitting over thirty compositions. With a brief to write a piece that encompasses the style and ethos of the LSQ, four entries were short-listed for a concert at The Warehouse, London where Andy Scott, Graham Fitkin and Gabriel Jackson picked James Williamson (Royal Academy of Music) to receive the first prize of a publishing deal with Staunch Music and his piece being recorded on the LSQ Delphian disc 'FLUX'. In 2008 the LSQ were awarded an MBF ensemble award for their recording project with pianist Dave Stapleton which will be released on Edition Records in November 2008.
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