"To hear the saxophone with colors, range, technical virtuosity, expression in the style of the great composers, is a thrill."
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Nick Xenelis, Classical Sonoma
About Andrew
Acclaimed for his unique approach, virtuosic performances, and as a champion for both new and forgotten works, Indian-American Saxophonist Andrew Harrison has captured the hearts of audiences across the globe with āelectric performances of stunning expression (Classical Sonoma)ā, while introducing the world to important voices, and showcasing the beauty and brilliance of the saxophone. Described as a āmagician showing off his tricks" (Austin American Statesman), Andrew uses his distinctive style to create a new environment for classical music, to reflect our lived experience and mixed culture, blending the known and the not yet explored. He has commissioned and premiered works by a diverse group of emerging and celebrated composers, including Jules Pegram, Giovanni Santos, Viet Cuong, Nina Shekhar, and Derrick Skye, among numerous others.
Andrewās playing, which has been described as "spectacular" (LA Opus) with a sound that is "broad and rich" (The Instrumentalist), has garnered him numerous awards in prestigious competitions, including the U.S. āPershingās Ownā Collegiate Concerto Competition, the LMC Frances Walton Competition, and most recently the American Prize in Music. He has been featured with several symphonic groups, including the Downey Symphony Orchestra, Music Academy of the West Orchestra, Cal Poly Pomona and La Sierra University Wind Ensembles, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, with upcoming performances with the Chandler Symphony, Orchestra Santa Monica, the Sonoma County Philharmonic, and the Santa Rosa Symphony.
Andrew is passionate about mentoring the next generation of artists to find their unique perspectives and to craft a professional journey that is singular and meaningful. Currently he serves as the Professor of Classical Saxophone at Sonoma State University, and previously served at Mt. San Antonio College, Cerritos College, the French Conservatory of Music and the Colburn School. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, and a Masters degree from the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music. He is an endorsing artist of Eastman Saxophones and Key Leaves Saxophone Accessories. For more information, visit his website at www.andrewsharrison.com
Recent Testimonials & Reviews
"a heartfelt, technically inspiring and energized performance, when Mr. Harrison and pianist Jason Lo performed a recital that spotlighted the tonal beauty of alto and soprano saxophones. Often when one sees the word saxophone, it implies a blues, jazzy, pop tune tonal quality. Mr. Harrison imbued both instruments with colors and an extended emotional range foreign to jazz or blues."
Nick Xenelis
Classical Sonoma
"a spectacular performer"
David Brown
LA Opus Magazine
"a magician showing off his tricks!"
Austin American Statesman
"a sound that is broad and rich"
The Instrumentalist Magazine
"a virtuoso saxophonist"
Beverly Hills National Auditions
"Each time I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Harrison, I have found his artistry, and dedication the his craft to be inspiring!"
Dr. Gregory Whitmore
Director - Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble
"Your performance of Japanese Folk Songs by contemporary Japanese composer Ryota Ishikawa, was nothing short of amazing. It truly is a virtuoso piece for both saxophone and piano. The various moods of the piece from calm gentle suavity to the excited flourishes at the end, showed off the flexibility of the saxophone, as well as its master."
Darlene Vlasek, Musicale Moments
"A HUGE thank you and BRAVO to Dr. Andrew Harrison for his magnificent performances of the Fantasia for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble by Claude Smith. Hi is an incredible musician!"
Dr. Andy Collinsworth, Director of Bands @ Sonoma State University
"Andrew Harrison and Jason Lo gave an outstanding performance, showcasing their tremendous talents at their first Live at the Museum concert for Laguna Beach Live! They were rewarded with a standing ovation from an engaged and delighted audience. We look forward to their return!"
Ava Burton, Presenter
Laguna Beach Live!
News
New Review
Duo HaLo received a great review from Classical Sonoma!
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Discography
Einaudi Live
Recorded live during the Covid 19 pandemic, this album features the music of Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi.
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Andrew Harrison, Alto Saxophone
Jason Lo, Piano
![[Classical Saxophone Performance] Finding the Words - Michael Markowski (Live)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SD16JFy9tvM/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Classical Saxophone Performance] Sonata for Soprano Saxophone and Piano - Steve Cohen (Live)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UnEsUn8JuJo/mqdefault.jpg)
Contact
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