Andrew Smith
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Andrew Smith is a Sydney-based saxophonist at the forefront of classical saxophone performance in Australia. Renowned for his versatility and expressive playing, Andrew is an active presence across chamber, orchestral, and solo settings. He performs regularly with the acclaimed Nexas Quartet, appears frequently with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and is a dedicated soloist.
A champion of new music, Andrew has forged close collaborations with many of Australia's leading composers, resulting in numerous premieres of contemporary works. His collaborative efforts include compositions by Cyrus Meurant, Tristan Coelho, Paul Castles, Lachlan Skipworth, Mark Oliviero, Mark Bradshaw, and Matthew Hindson.
Chamber music is central to Andrew’s artistic life. In addition to his work with Nexas Quartet, he has performed with ensembles such as Strelitzia Ensemble, Sideband, Ensemble Mongrel, Sirius Chamber Ensemble, and Chronology Arts. His commitment to this genre has led to appearances at major festivals including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Sydney Festival, Aurora Festival, and the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM), as well as multiple World Saxophone Congresses. His international performances have taken him to Scotland, France, Hong Kong, and China.
Andrew’s discography includes George Gershwin Music for Saxophone Quartet (Da Vinci Classics), Tango de Saxos (Da Vinci Classics), Ballads of a Pleasant Life with baritone Peter Coleman-Wright (ABC Classics), Current (Nexas Quartet), and Cyrus Meurant’s 4 Pieces for Soprano Saxophone and Electric Organ. He has also featured in live broadcasts for ABC Classic FM, Fine Music 2MBS and the Australian Digital Concert Hall.
In collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Andrew has had the opportunity to perform alongside pop icons such as Natalie Cole, Ben Folds, and Conchita Wurst. He also recorded for the HBO/BBC series Top of the Lake: China Girl, with music by Mark Bradshaw.
Andrew holds both a Bachelor of Music (Honours) and a Master of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the latter supported by the prestigious Henderson Postgraduate Award. Throughout his academic career, he received multiple scholarships, won several competitions, and enriched his studies through various European residencies. He is currently completing a Doctorate at Sydney University under the topic Curating repertoire for senior high school saxophonists in NSW.
An experienced educator, Andrew teaches saxophone at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is regularly invited to give masterclasses at leading institutions. He has also provided content for Online Virtuoso.