Focus on baroque and beyond....
For many classical saxophonists today, playing arrangements is part of their concert practice. Under the influence of, among others, the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet (1982-2017, in which CvA saxophone teachers Willem van Merwijk and Arno Bornkamp have played), a real culture has emerged in that area, certainly in the Netherlands.

In the saxophone class of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, students have been introduced to playing baroque music for more than thirty years. In doing so, the students have always been able to benefit from the knowledge and experience of recorder teacher Walter van Hauwe, who has been an important mentor in this field. It is therefore high time to invite this great musician (recorder player specializing in contemporary music!) as a special teacher during the Saxophone Week. Not only will he advise and assist students, he will also give a recital with them on March 24. 

Another special guest during Sax Week 2025 is Nobuya Sugawa. At the end of March/beginning of April this famous Japanese saxophonist will tour Europe. With his master classes and concert during Saxweek, he will kick off the tour. Sugawa is one of the world's leading saxophonists: a role model for many young musicians who, like him, aspire to a career as an excellent soloist and chamber musician (including with the Trouvère Saxophone Quartet and his duo with Minako Koyanagi). In Amsterdam, he will perform with pianist Tobias Borsboom and Arno Bornkamp as a guest. This recital also revolves around Baroque music, as the programme includes J.S. Bach's Chaconne, originally written for solo violin.