Hailed as a “pioneering instrumentalist and writer” and praised for his “surpassingly beautiful music” and “undoubtedly brilliant mind”, British saxophonist Alastair Penman is a dynamic and versatile performer and composer, presenting contemporary music in new and exciting ways. Having earned masters’ degrees in both Information and Computer Engineering (University of Cambridge) and Saxophone Performance (Royal Northern College of Music), Alastair has a strong interest in the fusion of live saxophone performance with electronic effects, backings, and enhancements to create often previously undiscovered sound-worlds. 

As a soloist, Alastair has performed at venues including St Martin-in-the-Fields, St John’s Smith Square, Milton Court and Trinity College Chapel. He has been a guest recitalist at the RNCM and Canterbury Christ Church University Saxophone Days, and at the 2017 European Saxophone Congress and 2018 World Saxophone Congress, presenting material from his album, Electric Dawn (Sospiro Records), which has also received airplay on BBC Radio 3.

Alastair has performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Contemporary Orchestra and Royal Ballet Sinfonia and has appeared with jazz groups at Montreux and London Jazz Festivals as well as at jazz clubs across Europe. 

As a composer, Alastair has been commissioned by organisations including Park Lane Group, RVW Trust and City Music Foundation, and his compositions can be heard on commercially available recordings.

As an educator, Alastair is a Visiting Professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and has been a guest tutor for the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, University of Liverpool and Benslow Music. Alastair has also given international masterclasses at UCLA and Cal State Fullerton (USA).

Alastair is a City Music Foundation Artist, Park Lane Group Artist, BBC Introducing Artist, Live Music Now Artist, a Yeoman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, and has won awards from the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, RNCM and St. Catharine’s College.

Alastair is a Henri Selmer Paris Artist and a Vandoren UK Artist.

http://www.alastairpenman.co.uk