Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

John Sampen is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music through his exceptional skills as a saxophonist, teacher, and composer. Born in 1945 in Lima, Ohio, Sampen grew up in a family that valued music and encouraged him to pursue his passion for the saxophone. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 10 and quickly developed a love for the instrument. Sampen's talent was evident from an early age, and he went on to study music at Bowling Green State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1967. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from Indiana University in 1969 and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois in 1973. Throughout his career, Sampen has been recognized for his exceptional talent and has received numerous awards and honors. In 1974, he won the prestigious Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. He has also been awarded the Ohio Governor's Award for the Arts, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Bowling Green State University, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Saxophone Alliance. Sampen's career as a performer has been marked by numerous highlights, including performances with some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. He has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. He has also performed with the Kronos Quartet, the Arditti Quartet, and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. In addition to his work as a performer, Sampen is also a highly respected teacher and has taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including Bowling Green State University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Michigan. He has also been a guest lecturer and performer at universities and music schools around the world. Sampen is also an accomplished composer and has written numerous works for the saxophone, including solo pieces, chamber music, and works for orchestra. His compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading musicians and ensembles and have been featured on numerous recordings. Throughout his career, Sampen has been a passionate advocate for the saxophone and has worked tirelessly to promote the instrument and its music. He has been instrumental in the development of new repertoire for the saxophone and has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers. In addition to his work as a performer, teacher, and composer, Sampen has also been a leader in the saxophone community. He has served as the president of the North American Saxophone Alliance and has been a member of the International Saxophone Committee. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of music, Sampen was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2015. He continues to perform, teach, and compose, and his passion for the saxophone and its music remains as strong as ever.

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