Illinois College Fine Arts Series Reveals Hilltop Lineup Including Nois Sax Quartet

The Illinois College Fine Arts Series brought contemporary chamber music to the Hilltop when the ~Nois Saxophone Quartet performed at Rammelkamp Chapel, highlighting the series’ mix of visiting ensembles, family programming, and fundraising events that draw Morgan County residents to campus arts offerings.

Illinois College announced the engagement with a program that placed new compositions at the center of the concert. “The quartet is scheduled to perform at Illinois College Fine Arts Series on Sunday, November 19, 2023, 3 p.m. in Rammelkamp Chapel.” The performance featured a selection of new pieces written specifically for the ensemble by the Composers Alliance of San Antonio, reinforcing the college’s emphasis on contemporary repertoire and composer-performer collaboration.

The ensemble ~Nois, founded in 2016, is presented in college materials as an ensemble that “has become one of the premier ensembles in the U.S. by combining contemporary classical music and improvisation in unique concert experiences.” The college’s release also notes the group’s recognitions, saying the quartet “has been awarded top prizes at prestigious chamber music competitions including the Fischoff and the M-Prize competitions,” and highlighted press acclaim, noting it was “Heralded as ‘fiendishly good’ by the Chicago Tribune.” Promotional materials for the Hilltop engagement advised audiences they “will be amazed with their vivacious performance and virtuosity.”

Ticketing and access stood out as part of the series’ public-facing policy. “Individual tickets for the Illinois College Fine Arts Series are $20 each with adult season tickets available for $70.” The institution reiterated its accessibility policy: “As always, students of all ages and children are admitted free of charge to all concerts.” Those seeking admission were told that “Tickets are available for purchase in advance by phone at 217.245.3192 or at the door on event day.”

Beyond the ~Nois engagement, the Fine Arts Series lineup highlighted other named guests and program types, including Trio Mediæval, additional visiting ensembles, family programming and other concert and fundraising events. That mix positions the series as both a cultural resource and an institutional presence in Morgan County, creating recurring public touchpoints on campus that can influence local arts participation and support for college programming.

For Morgan County residents, the event underscores two practical points: the college is intentionally programming contemporary and family-oriented concerts, and it maintains pricing and admission policies that prioritize student access. Those interested in future Hilltop performances should consult Illinois College’s Fine Arts Series page for the season schedule and call 217.245.3192 for ticket information.