On November 1st and 3rd, the Chicago-based  ~nois Saxophone Quartet will bring its distinctive blend of contemporary music to the stages of the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  Founded in 2016, ~nois has received wide acclaim for their skillful renditions of 21st-Century music. The group’s performances often include multimedia elements and incorporate improvisation and extended techniques that create surprising textures and timbres.  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. The quartet has performed with the Bang On A Can All-Stars, Claire Chase, Eighth Blackbird, and indie rock band My Brightest Diamond. Executive Director Brandon Quarles stopped by the WORT studioes to discuss the group’s upcoming Madison concerts with Peter Haney of Back Porch Serenade.  The interview included excerpts from works the group will perform Friday at Collins Recital Hall in the University’s Hamel Music Center, including “Dwalm” by Gemma Peacocke, “Thirteen Changes” by the late Pauline Oliveros, “Night Music” by Emma O’Halloran, and “Saxophonquartett” by Georg Friedrich Haas.  On Sunday, the quartet will perform with the UW Wind Ensemble at the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall.  Image credit: Nick Zoulek.