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biographical information

ROB BUCKLAND is internationally acclaimed as one of the most distinctive and versatile Saxophonists of his generation. Appearing as concerto and recital soloist, with his Equivox Trio (with pianist Peter Lawson and percussionist Simone Rebello), and with the Apollo Saxophone Quartet, Rob performs throughout the UK, Europe and Japan. Recent highlights include a performance of Sir Harrison Birtwistle's "Panic" Concerto at the Royal Festival Hall in London, at the invitation of the composer, a gala concerto performance by invitation at the 14th World Saxophone Congress in Slovenia, with forthcoming dates including three performances with the Chinese National Symphony Orchestra in Beijing in the orchestra's prestigious new-year concerts, and a performance with the Macau Chamber Orchestra.

He has commissioned and recorded music from many of today's leading composers, featuring on his own solo CD (Towards the Light 1998), with the Equivox Trio (The Time is Now 2006), eight CDs with the Apollo Saxophone Quartet, and a recording of commissioned concertos with the RNCM Wind Orchestra planned for release in 2007. He regularly performs and records with ensembles such as Michael Nyman Band, London Saxophonic, BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Northern Sinfonia. Uniquely in demand as both classical soloist and jazz artist, Rob also regularly works with Sax Assault (Andy Scott's 12 piece Saxophone jazz funk group), the Apitos Latin Big Band and his own jazz quartet, and can regularly be heard performing on Film and TV soundtracks. He is currently touring with his Equivox Trio with concert dates in the UK, Europe, Saudi Arabia and Japan throughout 2007 to coincide with the release of the groups new CD, which merges classical, contemporary and jazz compositions.

Over the past 21 years, Rob has spent a significant proportion of his time performing with the Apollo Saxophone Quartet, a world class ensemble that is widely acknowledged as one of the UK's finest contemporary chamber ensembles. The quartet records and tours extensively both in the UK and abroad, performing commissioned music from some of today's finest composers, such as Michael Nyman, Michael Torke, Richard Rodney Bennett, Graham Fitkin and Django Bates, creating the new core repertoire for the medium.

As a composer, Rob has written several works for the Apollo Quartet, including scores for saxophones and poet, and music to accompany a series of early 1900's Black & White silent films which the group perform live as part of their concert programmes. He is writing a highly successful and popular ongoing series of original compositions for young players (solos, duets, quartets and pieces for Saxophone and Piano), many of which are now part of the Associated Board, Trinity and Guildhall syllabuses (published by astute-music.com). Rob has recently composed works for Sax Assault, the RNCM Saxophone Orchestra, the Equivox Trio, and is currently writing a series of songs for saxophones and voice with singer Anna Gracey. To coincide with his tenth anniversary at the RNCM, Rob is also writing a new saxophone study/method book, due for release in 2007/8.

He runs his own International Saxophone Summer School, and is regularly invited to tutor on many other courses, including a longstanding role as saxophone tutor for the National Youth Wind Ensemble. Alongside his busy performing schedule, Rob is Professor of Saxophone at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where, since 1997, along with Apollo colleague Andy Scott, he has established the UK's largest and most active Saxophone programme, where he and Andy are also artistic directors of the RNCM Saxophone Day, the UK's largest annual saxophone event.

"A musician whose artistry is so great that his instrument appears to be part of him, rather than a separate entity. A richly dramatic and brilliant performance."
Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines

"Exceptional control and tone, color and musicianship - I hope our musical paths will cross again."
Kent Nagano - Conductor

"Your performance has flair and style. Many of the musical gestures caught my attention, alternatively virtuosic, cute, driving, charming, brusque and rich."
James Croft Director of Bands, Florida State University.

For further information visit robbuckland.com