The multi-award-winning saxophonist Nobuya Sugawa, with pianist Minako Koyanagi is be touring New Zealand for the first time. Coming to our shores as a guest international tutor for the NZ Classical Saxophone Summer School’s ninth year, the living legend will be at St Matthew-in-the-City.
Sugawa is a celebrated figure in the classical music world, earning critical acclaim for his performances with renowned orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Eastman Wind Ensemble, NHK Symphony Orchestra, and Slovak Radio Orchestra.
In addition to his solo career, Sugawa served as the concertmaster of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra for over 20 years and is the soprano saxophonist for the renowned Trouvère Quartet. He is also a visiting professor at the Tokyo University of the Arts.
Showcasing some of the most beautiful and technically demanding works in the saxophone repertoire, this is an event not to be missed. Sugawa will be joined by award-winning pianist Minako Koyanagi, his wife and collaborator for over 30 years, to whom works have been dedicated by the likes of composers Takashi Yoshimatsu, Jun Nagao, Akira Nishimura, Fazil Say, Chick Corea, Ryuichi Sakamoto and many others. They will also perform alongside top Australasian talent, the Akari Saxophone Quartet, with New Zealand saxophonists Simon Brew, Tomomi Johnston, and Michael Jamieson, and the renowned Dutch/Australian saxophonist Niels Bijl.
Sugawa and Koyanagi’s unparalleled skill and artistry, combined with exceptional Australasian talent, promise an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s finest musicians live in concert!