Biography

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 “electric performances of stunning expression (Classical Sonoma)”, while introducing the world to important voices, and showcasing the beauty and brilliance of the saxophone. Described as a “magician showing off his tricks" (Austin American Statesman), Andrew uses his distinctive style to create a new environment for classical music, connecting the saxophone to its rich tradition, while offering performances that are "high voltage" and "brimming with lyricism (New York Concert Review)." He has commissioned and premiered works by a diverse group of emerging and celebrated composers, including Jules Pegram, Giovanni Santos, Viet Cuong, and Nina Shekhar, among numerous others. 

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"a magician showing off his tricks."

- Austin American Statesman

Andrew’s 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. “Pershing’s Own” Collegiate Concerto Competition, the LMC Frances Walton Competition, and most recently the American Prize in Music. He has been a featured soloist with several symphonic groups, including the Cal Poly Pomona and La Sierra University Wind Ensembles, South Valley Symphony Orchestra, Sonoma County Philharmonic, the Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, and has upcoming performances with the Chandler Symphony and the Santa Rosa Symphony among others. As a chamber musician, Andrew has toured the US extensively, performing at prestigious universities and venues from Los Angeles to New York City as both a recitalist with Duo HaLo, and with his saxophone quartet, TC4.

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"High Voltage" & "Brimming with Lyricism"

New York Concert Review

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 San Diego State School of Music, Mt. San Antonio College, Cerritos College, the French Conservatory of Music, and the Colburn School. As an in-demand clinician, he has presented masterclasses at Southern Illinois State University, the University of Southern California, Webster University, Franklin College, and the New England Conservatory, among numerous others. 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. Andrew performs exclusively on Eastman Winds Saxophones and is an endorsing artist with them and Key Leaves Saxophone Accessories. 

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"a heartfelt, technically inspiring and energized performance. Often when one sees the 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."

- Classical Sonoma