The UMass Department of Music and Dance’s 41st Annual New England Saxophone Festival recently featured an outstanding performance by Steven Banks, a distinguished ambassador for the classical saxophone. Known for his exceptional talent and captivating stage presence, Banks is dedicated to showcasing the versatility of the instrument and expanding its repertoire.
In recognition of his talent, Banks was awarded the prestigious 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant and made history as the first saxophonist to win First Prize at the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions in 2019. He was also selected to participate in WQXR’s Artist Propulsion Lab in 2022, a program aimed at advancing the careers of talented artists and supporting the future of classical music.
Throughout his career, Banks has performed as a soloist with various esteemed orchestras, including the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Aspen Festival Orchestra, Oregon Mozart Players, Colorado Music Festival, Colorado Symphony, Utah Symphony, the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra. He has collaborated with renowned conductors such as John Adams, Peter Oundjian, Earl Lee, Xian Zhang, Nicholas McGegan, and Rafael Payere.
Steven Banks continues to impress audiences worldwide with his exceptional skill and passion for the classical saxophone, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the classical music scene.
