American Music Festival Opens 2026-27 Season with Kenari Saxophone Quartet at First Presbyterian Church
On September 26, 2026, the American Music Festival will ignite its 37th season with a 90‑minute concert by the Kenari Saxophone Quartet at First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell St., Morehead City. The program, slated to begin at 7 p.m., blends contemporary pieces and classical works that showcase the saxophone’s versatility.
Formed to highlight the instrument’s breadth across genres, the quartet has earned national acclaim. Critics from Cleveland Classical praised the group’s virtuosity and dynamic programming. For the opening night, the ensemble will play David Maslanka’s “Songs for the Coming Day,” Viet Cuong’s “Prized Possessions,” Joel Love’s “In Memoriam,” and “The Current,” a composition by founding member Steven Banks. Banks, a North Carolina native and alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, has since launched an international solo career.
The American Music Festival is a local nonprofit that brings chamber music to Carteret County and Eastern North Carolina. A portion of ticket proceeds and individual donations supports music outreach initiatives in public schools throughout the region, aligning with the festival’s mission to make chamber music accessible to a broad audience while fostering educational programs.
Ticketing is straightforward. Adult general admission costs $35 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite or at the door by cash, check, or credit card. Season passes, granting entry to all four chamber‑music concerts in the 2026‑27 season, are $120 and available on the festival’s website. Students and active‑duty military personnel enter for free. Students aged 18 and under, accompanied by one adult chaperone, may reserve complimentary tickets online in advance.
Support for the festival comes from several public and private entities, including the Arts Council of Carteret County, the North Carolina Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Classical Voice of North Carolina. These partnerships sustain the festival’s programming and outreach efforts.
The Kenari Saxophone Quartet’s appearance marks a significant moment for the festival. Their performance demonstrates how the saxophone can serve as a lead voice in chamber settings—a concept that has gained traction in recent years. The quartet’s blend of contemporary works and traditional repertoire reflects the festival’s broader goal of presenting diverse, high‑quality music to the community.
For more information about the festival, ticketing, and season passes, visit americanmusicfestival.org. The site also details the quartet’s schedule, the festival’s outreach programs, and upcoming concerts.
In summary, the American Music Festival’s 2026‑27 season will open with a well‑received saxophone quartet at a historic church in Morehead City. The event will feature a carefully curated program, offer accessible ticket pricing, and continue the festival’s tradition of supporting local music education. The festival’s ongoing partnership with regional arts councils and national agencies underscores its role as a cultural cornerstone in Eastern North Carolina.
