Saxophone
BRANDON CHOI
Biography
“... a balletic energy that was particularly pronounced in Mr. Choi, who appeared to possess within his physique a coiled spring ready to send him airborne… emerged on the scene not only as pioneers but as brilliant one” – New York Concert Review Inc. Brandon Jinwoo Choi is an acclaimed South Korean classical saxophonist renowned for his exceptional artistry and international acclaim. With a remarkable career spanning three continents, Choi has delivered captivating performances across esteemed venues in the United States, France, Germany, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea. Distinguished as a soloist, Dr. Choi has collaborated with numerous distinguished ensembles and orchestras, including the prestigious France Lyon Saxophone Ensemble, the Romania Ploiesti State Philharmonic Orchestra, and the esteemed KBS Symphony Orchestra. His mastery has graced renowned stages such as the iconic Seoul Art Center and the revered Lincoln Center in New York. Notably, Choi premiered the groundbreaking saxophone concerto "Sull'ala" by Susan Botti with the esteemed University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Orchestra on March 13th, 2014. Dr. Choi's unwavering pursuit of artistic growth has led him to actively participate in regional and national conferences, as well as enroll in the world's most esteemed fine arts institutes. Noteworthy among these are the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial National Conference at the University of Cincinnati, the College Band Directors National Association at North Carolina State University, the France International Saxophone Institute at Saint-Meur, Paris - Conservatory of Music, and the American Saxophone Academy at the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Choi has showcased his exceptional talent by premiering Frank Proto's "Conversations" at the 2015 International Saxophone Symposium held at Shenandoah University and the Patsy Cline Theater in Winchester, Virginia. He further graced the French premiere of the composition at the esteemed 2015 World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, France. A recipient of numerous top prizes, Dr. Choi has emerged triumphant in distinguished national and international competitions. Among his notable accolades are the Cincinnati Concerto Competition, the MTNA Solo Competition (2nd prize), the MTNA Chamber Competition (2nd prize), the American Cultural Foundation Competition (1st prize), the Hanjeon Artspool Center Competition (1st prize), the Korea Wind Chamber Music Competition (1st prize), the Music Association of Korea Competition (1st prize), the Music Education Newspaper Competition (1st prize), the Haneum National Music Competition (1st prize), and the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra Competition (1st prize). Under the tutelage of world-renowned saxophonists and professors, Dr. Choi has refined his craft to the pinnacle of excellence. His mentors include luminaries such as Claude Delangle, Arno Bornkamp, Nobuya Sugawa, Jean-Yves Fourmeau, Vincent David, Christian Wirth, Philippe Portjou, Nicola Prost, John Sampen, Tom Myer, Otis Murphy, Chein-Kwan Lin, Timothy McAlister, Kenneth Tse, Carrie Koffman, Jeremy Long, Stephen Page, Amy Dickson, and Ensemble Squillante. In addition to his illustrious career as a performer and educator, Dr. Choi holds significant leadership roles within the musical community. He proudly serves as the Music Director of the esteemed Brandon Saxophone Orchestra, guiding this ensemble of talented musicians to new heights of musical excellence. Under his direction, the orchestra showcases the versatility and expressive potential of the saxophone, captivating audiences with their captivating performances. Furthermore, Dr. Choi assumes the prestigious position of Chair of the Korea Classic Saxophone Association, a role that highlights his commitment to promoting and advancing the saxophone as a prominent instrument within the classical music sphere. Through his leadership, the association fosters a vibrant saxophone community in Korea, providing support, educational opportunities, and a platform for saxophonists to showcase their talents and contribute to the development of the instrument. Dr. Choi's dedication to musical leadership and his profound influence within the saxophone community reflect his unwavering commitment to advancing the artistry, education, and appreciation of the saxophone, both in his native Korea and on the global stage. Dr. Choi's impressive educational background encompasses a 4e Cycle Perfectionnement (Artist Diploma) from the prestigious Conservatoire de Lyon in France, where he received guidance from the esteemed Jean-Denis Michat. Furthermore, he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the esteemed University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he previously obtained his Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from the esteemed Dr. James Bunte. Dr. Choi is also a member of the renowned 1987 Trio, alongside Nikita Zimin from Russia and Yo Matsushita from Japan. In addition to his career as a performer and educator, Dr. Choi is a Yamaha Emerging Artist, a LefreQue Artist, and a D'Addario International Artist, a JLV Ligature Artist. An esteemed saxophone Adjunct Professor at HanYang Music University, Dr. Choi brings a wealth of experience to his role. He has previously served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music, and has held esteemed faculty positions at renowned institutions such as the International Saxophone Academy, Seoul National University, Chung-Ang University, and Sook Myung Women's University.
국내는 물론, 유럽과 미국 및 전 세계의 무대에서 클래식 색소폰의 새로운 바람을 불러 일으키고 있는 클래식 색소포니스트 브랜든 최는 프랑스 리옹 국립 음악원에서 최고 연주자과정을 졸업하였고 미국 신시내티 음대에 전액 장학생으로 입학하여 석사 학위를, 동 대학원에서 최연소 나이로 박사학위(D.M.A)를 받았다. 미국 신시내티 컴피티션 1위, 한국 음악 협회 콩쿠르 1위, 미국 MTNA 국제 콩쿠르 2위 등 수많은 국제 및 국내 콩쿠르들에서 우승을 거두며 실력을 인정받았다. 미국 맨하탄 음대 작곡가 교수이자 뉴욕 필하모닉 상임 작곡가를 역임한 수산보티의 클래식 색소폰 콘체르토를 미국 신시내티 오케스트라와 세계 초연 하며 솔리스트로서 주목 받았고, 한국인 클래식 색소포니스트로서는 최초로 미국 링컨센터에서 리사이틀을 가졌다. 또 한, 크로아티아 블라고제 벌사홀, 프랑스 스트라스부르그 콘서트홀, 일본 필리아홀, 마카오 국립 아트센터, 홍콩 사이완호 아트센터, 상하이 콘서바토리 아트센터, 대만 국립극장, 태국 마히돌홀 등 전 세계에서의 초청 리사이틀 및 마스터클래스를 개최 하였고 솔리스트로서 미국 신시내티 오케스트라 및 KBS 교향악단, 수원시향, 인천시향, 광주시향, 과천시향, 창원시향, 천안시향, 한경arte필하모닉 등 다양한 오케스트라와 협연 및 클래식 색소폰 콘체르토를 국내 초연 하였다. 2023년 발매한 는 클래식 색소폰의 불모지인 한국에서 클래식 색소폰의 개척자로서 다양한 음악적 작업과 실험을 통해 끊임없이 그 경계를 넓혀나간 앨범이다. 탁월한 예술성을 인정받고 있는 러시아 출신의 피아니스트 일리야 라쉬코프스키와 함께 클래식 색소폰에 어울리는 라흐마니노프의 곡들을 엄선하여 재해석, 이를 악기 특유의 따뜻하면서도 풍윤한 사운드로 담아냈다. 클래식 색소포니스트로서 과감한 도전정신의 결과물이자 깊은 음악적 감동을 충실하게 담아낸 앨범이다. 또 한, [Saxophone Sonatas][Through Adam's Fall][Oh, Happy day][The Saxophone Song][Blueberry Jam][Canon Fantasy][Dreaming] 등 악기의 경계를 뛰어넘는 다양한 앨범을 발매 하였다. 최초라는 수식어를 만들어 가고 있는 브랜든 최는 클래식 색소포니스트로서는 최초로 EBS 스페이스 공감(임윤찬/브랜든최), SBS (김창완의 아침창 및 뉴스룸, 문화사색), KBS Classic FM, TBS (공연에 뜨겁게 미치다 및 라라초대석), TBS (EFM The Scoop), YTN (더 클래식), Arirang TV, 채널 A, The Life TV, ORFEO TV, CPBC 등 다양한 방송 매체와 자신의 유튜브 채널을 통해 클래식 색소폰 대중화에도 기여하고 있다. 또 한, 클래식 색소폰의 교육자로서 서울대, 한양대(겸임교수) 등 여러학교에서 강의를 역임하였다. 현재 International Saxophone Academy 교수로서 전 세계의 후학을 양성하고 있다.
Gallery
Video
Repertoire (solo with orchestra)
Jacques Ibert
Concertino de camera (12mins)
-1악장 Allegro con moto
-2악장 Larghetto
-3악장 Animato Molto
Alexander Glazunov
Concerto E flat Op.109 (14mins)
-1악장 Allegro moderato
-2악장 Andante sostenuto
-3악장 Allegro
André Waignein
Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone (16mins)
-1악장 Moderato
-2악장 Calmato
-3악장 Allegro Presto
Roberto Molinelli
Four Pictures from New York (18mins)
1악장 Dreamy Dawn
2악장 Tango Club
3악장 Sentimental Evening
4악장 Broadway Night
Paul Creston
Saxophone Concerto op. 26 (20mins)
Henri Tomasi
Concerto for Alto Saxophone (19mins)
-1악장 Andante to Allegro
-2악장 Final: Giration, Touruoyaut
Claude Delangle
Rhapsodie for Saxophone by Claude Debussy (11mins)
Darius Milhaud
Scaramouche for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (11mins)
John Williams
Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (17mins)
Claude Debussy
Rhapsodie for Saxophone (11mins)
Ronald Binge
Concerto for Alto Saxophone (15mins)
Henri Tomasi
Ballade for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (14mins)
<String Orchestra>
Alexander Glazunov
Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra in E flat Major, Op. 109 (14mins)
Pierre Max Dubois
Concerto for Alto Saxophone (18mins)
Lars Erik Larrson
Concerto op.14 (20mins)
<Wind Orchestra>
Roberto Molinelli
Four Pictures from New York (20mins)
Otto M. Schwarz
Sax Pack for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra (8mins)
Clare Grundman
Concertante for Alto Saxophone (10mins)
Paul Creston
Concerto, op. 26 for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (20mins)
André Waignein
Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone (16mins)
Contact for more including recital and chamber music programs.