Saxophonist Zach Schwartz is the founding baritone saxophonist of the Pharos Quartet, a Boston-based saxophone chamber ensemble, with whom he has performed throughout the Northeast U.S., commissioned new music, and delivered masterclasses.

As a soloist and chamber musician, previously performing with the Dusk Duo and Oracle Saxophone Quartet, Zach appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, the Pride of Britain Awards, in a concerto appearance with the Royal College of Music wind orchestra, at several engagements in Catalonia, as well as in festivals in Denmark and Finland. He has given masterclasses with Pharos at Marshall University in West Virginia and Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, as well as individually at the Conservatori Liceu in Barcelona, Spain. Feeling most at home with a baritone saxophone in his hands, Zach’s debut album will feature the first-ever studio recording of Mark Watters’ Rhapsody for Baritone Saxophone (1985). His long-term goal is to raise awareness of the symphonic “classical” qualities of the baritone saxophone, particularly in the concerto, sonata, and unaccompanied repertoire.

Zach maintains a private saxophone studio in the Boston area. With an interest in arts marketing for contemporary classical musicians, he has been a member of the publicity staff of PARMA Recordings, and formerly co-headed the arts marketing agency Promote Classical.  

Outside of music, Zach is usually found in his kitchen, taking long walks around the city, tending to his many houseplants, and thrifting.

He is a graduate of the Royal College of Music in London and Boston University, where he learned with Kyle Horch and Jennifer Bill, respectively.  

(Site cover image by Kyéra Sterling, 2018)