Andrew Harrison

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), Harrison 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.

Harrison’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, Harrison has toured the US extensively, performing at prestigious universities and venues from Los Angeles to New York City as both a recitalist with and with his saxophone quartet, TC4.

Harrison is passionate about mentoring the next generation of artists to find their unique perspectives and 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 Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music. Harrison performs exclusively on Eastman Winds Saxophones and is an endorsing artist with them and Key Leaves Saxophone Accessories.

Photo by Hannah Arista Photography