Nacho Gascón is a saxophonist who combines a deep understanding of the classical tradition of his instrument with a strong commitment to exploring its contemporary possibilities. Recognised for his versatility and expressive range, he has built an international career as a performer, orchestral musician and pedagogue.
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Born in Alicante, Spain, he studied at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with Doug Masek and James Rotter, while also attending masterclasses with distinguished saxophonists such as Daniel Deffayet, Claude Delangle, Arno Bornkamp and Nobuya Sugawa. During his time in Los Angeles he participated in various film recordings and made his debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl at the age of 22.
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He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including being named a Yamaha Young Artist and reaching the finals of the New York Artists Guild Concert Competition. He was also the first saxophonist to be invited as an intern at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado.
With extensive orchestral experience, Gascón has collaborated with leading conductors and composers such as John Williams, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Mstislav Rostropovich, Thomas Adès, Gustavo Dudamel, John Adams, Eiji Oue and Leonard Slatkin. He has premiered works by composers including Arnau Bataller, Bear McCreary, Robert Linn, Berthold Tüercke, Jesús Rodriguez Picó and H. K. Gruber, and has performed with ensembles such as The Furious Band, Barcelona 216 and Ensemble Barcelona Nueva Música, as well as orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New West Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Orquesta Pablo Sarasate (Pamplona), Orquesta del Gran Teatre del Liceu, Orquesta de Cadaqués, Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya.
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Since 2001, Nacho Gascón has been Professor of Chamber Music and Saxophone at the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC) in Barcelona, and since 2013 he has also served as a specialist in orchestral repertoire at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Aragón in Zaragoza. As a sought-after pedagogue, he has given masterclasses in Japan, Australia, Belgium, France, Portugal, Mexico, England and Luxembourg, and is a member of the artist roster for the AdLibitum masterclass series.
He is the Artistic Director of the Andorra Sax Fest International Saxophone Competition and is an endorsed artist of Forestone Japan.
