Recognised for his “virtuosity and engaging musicianship” (Gramophone Magazine), Jonathan Radford is regarded as one of the leading classical saxophonists of his generation. Passionate about showcasing the saxophone’s versatility across the classical and contemporary repertoire, Jonathan delights his audiences with his characteristically energetic and expressive performances. 

 

In demand internationally as a concerto soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, Jonathan has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and festivals. Recent highlights include performances at the Grieg Hall (Bergen), Philharmonie de Paris, Seoul Arts Center (South Korea), Bridgewater Hall (Manchester), Southbank Centre - Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Wigmore Hall (London).

 

Jonathan features as ‘One to Watch’ in Gramophone Magazine and as a ‘Rising Star’ in BBC Music Magazine. He is an international prize-winner, with notable awards including Commonwealth Musician of the Year and Gold Medallist in the Royal Over-Seas League Competition (UK, 2018), SaxOpen International Competition (France, 2015) and Concordo Internazionale de Musica Marco (Italy, 2013). He was a Young Concert Artist for the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Hattori Foundation, Making Music, Park Lane Group, Tunnell Trust and the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

 

Jonathan’s debut album recorded with pianist Ashley Fripp, ‘The Saxophone Craze – Homage to Rudy Wiedoeft’ (2022) was released on Champs Hill Records to critical acclaim, receiving a 5* review from BBC Music Magazine. As a guest on broadcasting networks, Jonathan has featured on BBC Radio 3, France Musique and Scala Radio.

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Alongside championing existing repertoire for his instrument by composers such as Debussy, Glazunov, Milhaud, Caplet, Schulhoff and Villa-Lobos, Jonathan is devoted to the development of new music for the saxophone. He has commissioned and premiered works by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Dani Howard, Betsy Jolas, Christian Lauba, Luis Naón and Raymond Yiu.

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A dedicated pedagogue, Jonathan regularly gives classes at the Royal College of Music. He has given masterclasses at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Chetham’s School of Music and Melbourne Conservatorium. Jonathan is passionate about bringing music to a wider community, regularly collaborating with Wigmore Hall’s learning programme.

 

Jonathan studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris (CNSMDP) with Claude Delangle, then in London at the Royal College of Music as the 2018 Mills Williams Junior Fellow, studying with Kyle Horch. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies as an RCM Studentship Holder, researching the influential American saxophonist Rudy Wiedoeft.

 

Jonathan is a Vandoren Paris and Henri Selmer Paris saxophone artist.

 

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