~Nois is a Chicago-based saxophone quartet that defies categorization by working at the boundary of contemporary classical music and improvisation. Founded in 2016, ~Nois (pronounced "noise") has quickly emerged as one of the premier young chamber ensembles in the United States. Known for its “masterclass-level demonstrations of precise articulations and glowing legatos” (I Care if You Listen), “truly innovative musicianship,” and “raw creativity” (Cacophony Magazine), ~Nois has been awarded top prizes at prestigious chamber music competitions including the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the M-Prize International Arts Competition.
Since its founding, ~Nois has given over 70 performances in 20 states. In addition to its regular concert series in Chicago, ~Nois has performed at festivals such as Big Ears, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and the California State University Fullerton New Music Festival. ~Nois is in demand as a guest artist and lecturer at universities and secondary schools across the nation with residencies and performances at over 30 institutions including the University of Chicago, the University of Colorado-Boulder, the Manhattan School of Music, and Princeton University.
Dedicated to expanding and redefining the saxophone quartet repertoire, ~Nois has premiered over 30 pieces including works by 2019 Gaudeamus Prize winner Kelley Sheehan and 2018 Guggenheim Fellow Tonia Ko. ~Nois recently partnered with the Kinds of Kings composer collective on a series of concerts in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles and has performed with the Bang On A Can All-Stars, Claire Chase, Eighth Blackbird, and indie rock band My Brightest Diamond. On June 26, 2020, the quartet released its debut album titled Is This ~Nois, a celebration of the music of Chicago.
~Nois is Hunter Bockes, János Csontos, Jordan Lulloff, and Brandon Quarles.
~Nois served as a Don Michael Randel Ensemble-in-Residence in 2020-21.