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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We’re delighted to confirm our trade exhibition will include stands from Barnes and Mullins, D’Addario, Forton Music, Henri Selmer Paris, Howarth of London, Jenni Watson, John Packer Ltd, Larch Music, Pearl Music Europe BV, Rosetti Ltd, Saxtet Publications, West Yorkshire Woodwind and Windstruments Ltd.

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Schedule of the day:

10am / RNCM Concert Hall
Massed Saxophone Orchestra
The day begins with our popular massed playing session. Parts will be available for all levels, including easier parts for less experienced players. Bring your instruments along and join in!

12pm / Various venues
Workshop Sessions
Choose between:

OPTION 1: FLAMENCO JAZZ with Antonio Lizana
Antonio will present an introduction to flamenco culture, rhythm and melodies, and explain how to bring these into your playing. This session will give you a real insight into the music and performance ethos of tonight’s performance by the Antonio Lizana Quintet.

OPTION 2: OPEN EARS, OPEN MIND with Andy Scott 
Andy discusses the relationship between improvisation, composition and performance, and how we may benefit as saxophonists from this knowledge.  With practical examples, bring your instrument.
For all levels
This workshop will be repeated at 3.15pm

OPTION 3: JAZZ IMPROVISATION – THE POWER OF PENTATONICS with Mike Hall
In a practical hands-on workshop Mike takes you through the versatility of 5-note scales; from the basic minor pentatonic for beginners through to valuable methods for introducing harmonic colour into your jazz playing!
For all levels

OPTION 4: PLAYING SESSION with Gilly Blair and Ruth Bourn
Ensemble playing session with Junior RNCM tutors Ruth Bourn and Gilly Blair.
For all levels
This workshop will be repeated at 3.15pm

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.

For the full programme, visit: RNCM Saxophone Orchestra – Royal Northern College of Music

3.15pm / Various venues
Workshop Sessions
Choose between:

OPTION 1: EXPLORING THE DIMINISHED SCALE with Alex Clarke 
Exploring the diminished scale, how and where to use it in our improvisations.
Intermediate and above level

OPTION 2: SAXOPHONE AND ELECTRONICS with Carl Raven 
The saxophone, electronics and the basics of making new sounds.
For all levels

OPTION 3: SOUND: PRODUCTION AND CONSISTENCY with Rob Buckland
Understanding the how, what, and why of sound, with strategies for effective practice and implementation.
For all levels

OPTION 4: OPEN EARS, OPEN MIND with Andy Scott 
Andy discusses the relationship between improvisation, composition and performance, and how we may benefit as saxophonists from this knowledge.  With practical examples, bring your instrument.
For all levels

OPTION 5: LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLE – MUSIC OF HORACE SILVER with Mike Hall 
Mike takes an ensemble of mixed saxes and rhythm section through a couple of his jazz charts. Plenty of opportunities for improvisors too!
For all levels

OPTION 6: PLAYING SESSION with Gilly Blair and Ruth Bourn 
Ensemble playing session with Junior RNCM Tutors of Saxophone Ruth Bourn & Gilly Blair.
For all levels

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.

5.45pm / The Lounge
SELMER QUIZ
Join Lucy from Henri Selmer Paris for an interactive quiz and talk on their history and how they produce their saxophones, and be in with a chance to win a free Alto Henri Selmer Paris mouthpiece.

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

Rob Buckland, Andy Scott artistic directors

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

Promoted by RNCM.