What's On

Calling all saxophonists!

The UK’s largest annual sax gathering returns for another sensational day celebrating all things saxophone. Join us as we throw open our doors and welcome players of all ages and abilities in a day jam-packed with participatory workshops and concerts.

We’re also thrilled to announce an incredible line-up of guest artists. Finalist of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020 and winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards, Alex Clarke showcases her talent alongside renowned jazz pianist Dave Newton, before a stellar performance from the Antonio Lizana Quintet. From Andalusia to New York and beyond, Antonio Lizana is one of the most celebrated representatives of new Flamenco Jazz to come out of southern Spain.

Plus, don’t forget you can visit our expansive trade exhibition throughout the day and even take to the stage yourself as part of our legendary Massed Saxophone Orchestra.

We’ll see you there!

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Events to include:

2pm / RNCM Concert Hall
RNCM Saxophone Orchestra

Part of RNCM Saxophone Day, our student saxophonists come together for a vibrant and rhythmic afternoon of music. Highlighting the instrument’s remarkable versatility, this performance features intricate solos and bold ensemble passages, showcasing the richly textured soundscape that only a saxophone orchestra can deliver.

4.45pm / RNCM Concert Hall
Yorkshire Saxophone Choir

The Yorkshire Saxophone choir present a programme of original works for 12 piece saxophone orchestra focussing on composers with strong links to RNCM. The featured pieces showcase the vibrant sound of the saxophone ensemble and the distinctive individual voices within it across a range of different contemporary styles.

6.30pm / RNCM Theatre
Antonio Lizana Quintet
plus support: Alex Clarke + Dave Newton

Alex Clarke saxophone
Dave Newton piano

Antonio Lizana saxophone / vocals
Daniel García piano / vocals
El Mawi de Cádiz flamenco dancer / vocals
Arin Keshishi bass
Shayan Fathi drums

Finalist of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020 and winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards, Alex Clarke showcases her talent alongside renowned jazz pianist Dave Newton before we welcome southern Spain’s most celebrated flamenco-jazz artist, Antonio Lizana and his quintet, for the first time in Manchester.

Antonio Lizana

Lizana is a jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer, and composer, and his live shows are described as a ‘breathtaking journey from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz’, spun together with his soulful lyrics carrying messages of optimism and sincerity to his audiences. His appearance at this year’s event is no exception, featuring a vibrant array of music complemented by a fiery flamenco dancer to bring the sound to life.

Born and raised in San Fernando, a province of Cádiz and one of the cradles of flamenco singing, Lizana has collaborated with countless local artists to inform his technique and style, allowing him to go on to share the authentic flamenco spirit with the world. He is one of the only Spanish artists to record an American NPR Tiny Desk concert and has worked with artists such as Arturo O’Farrill and Alejandro Sanz on Grammy Award-winning works.

Photo credit: Ana Solinis

Full schedule to be published soon. 

Full Day Tickets (covers admission to all events):
Full Price £40
Student/Under 26 £20

Promoted by RNCM.