NASA 2024 - 2 PREMIERES & 8 PERFORMANCES
In Oklahoma, USA, 14-17 March 2024, the North American Saxophone Alliance held its conference.
I was thrilled to have 8 performances of my works at the event, including 2 premieres!
Full details can be found on my diary page, but thank you to Jade Deatherage, Siobhan Plouffe, Kodachrome Quartet, Bobbi Thompson & Ariel Kasler, Austin McFarland & Kristal Cutler, Christopher & Hannah Creviston, and Tarleton Saxophones.
MAY 2023: RHAPSODY REVIEW
Huw Wiggin’s ‘Rhapsody’ disc is reviewed by Classics Today
“Picture Jacques Ibert collaborating with ECM’s “atmospheric” jazz stars like the late saxophonist Jan Garbarek, and you’ll get an idea of what Jennifer Watson’s Rhapsody on an Echo Chamber is about.” - Jed Distler
So much happened in this period, I will be updating this website soon, backdating the news!
APRIL 2023: ARABESQUE WITH 25 PIECE ORCHESTRA
RWCMD student Thom Conroy arranged and performed my ‘Arabesque on a theme by Debussy’ for 25 piece orchestra, as part of his final recital in Cardiff. A fantastic undertaking!
MARCH 2023: COMMISSIONED WORK RELEASED ON DISC
‘RHAPSODY ON AN ECHO CHAMBER’
FOR SOPRANO SAXOPHONE & PIANO
Commissioned by Huw Wiggin
Recorded by Huw Wiggin & Noriko Ogawa
Available from Orchid Classics
FEBRUARY 2023: DEBUT GIG - UNLOCKED LIVE
Emma McPhilemy and I give the debut live performance of the UNLOCKED album
Featuring special guests Rob Buckland, and Kairos Duo (Carys Nunn - Saxophone, Tom Hall - Percussion)
The International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Manchester
Friday 3rd February 2023
See Shop for Tickets
MAY 2022 : COMMISSIONING CONSORTIUM - ‘ADJUSTING PARAMETERS’
ALTO SAXOPHONE & TRACK | 8 MOVEMENTS | 60 MINUTES
LEAD COMMISSIONER: ERIN ROYER
MAXIMUM OF 100 MEMBERS
PRE-PURCHASE OPTION AVAILABLE
MAY 2022: SELECTED WORKS NOW AVAILABLE AT SAXMUSICSCORES
Shiver (Soprano Saxophone & Track), Conformity (Alto Saxophone & Piano), and Downpour (Solo Saxophone) are now available at this great new home dedicated to new Saxophone music
OCTOBER 2021: Saxophone Quartet Premiere
The legendary annual RNCM Saxophone Day returns!
Premiere of a new Saxophone Quartet commission - Radius
Sunday 7th November 2021
All day event
Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK
SEPTEMBER 2021: CASS Magazine Editor’s Choice
UNLOCKED is Editor’s Choice in CD reviews.
‘As to be expected from a team of this calibre, the production, the execution and musical intent is outstanding’
‘…music making of extraordinary quality…’ | ‘…this is one of the best records I have heard in a very long time…’ | ’…astonishing’ | ‘…superb…’
JULY 2021: ABRSM Grade 8 Eb Saxophone
Leaves is now on the Grade 8 Eb Saxophone syllabus from 2022
PDF available to purchase on this website
Printed copy or PDF available from June Emerson Wind Music
JULY 2021: Composer in Residence
FREE DOWNLOAD : “Enveloped” for Solo Saxophone
Commissioned by the Saxophone Academy
The first piece as Composer in Residence for their new public library of compositions
Check out their Saxophone Academy PODCAST
JULY 2021: Palmela International Festival
Jenni & Emma (McPhilemy) give a presentation on their #lockthesaxdown series at the 8th Palmela International Festival (Portugal)
We are honoured to be on the lineup of guest artists of such incredible players and ambassadors of the instrument
JUNE 2021: Sax, Horn & Track commission
Gone Tomorrow is a 12 minute commission for Alto Saxophone, Horn and fixed media, on a theme of climate change
Specifically focussing on coastal erosion around South Carolina, the work uses edited recorded speech woven into a large-scale backing track to portray the devastation of loss of homes along the coast and the vulnerability of the area. The soloists play virtuosically throughout, over an ever-shifting musical landscape
Commissioned by PIVOT duo (Matthew Castner & Dakota Corbliss) for their forthcoming album, and supported by University of South Carolina Spark Laboratory and Consortium members: Travis Bennett | Juan Berrios | Justin Drew | Samanda Engels | Shawn Hagen | Andrew Hutchens | Ian Jeffress | Jeffrey Leung | Anna Marshall | Vincent Morreale | Abigail Pack | Laurette Roddin | Benjamin Still | Maddy Tarantelli | Jack Thorpe | Dylan Ward
MAY 2021: Album release
UNLOCKED - ALBUM RELEASE!
With Saxophonist Emma McPhilemy
Following the success of the #lockthesaxdown series in 2020/2021, and a very successful Kickstarter campaign to record music from the series, UNLOCKED is officially launched
Featuring music from the #lockthesaxdown series alongside new arrangements and brand new tracks
“…washes over you like a clean, fresh mountain stream…Jenni’s compositions and playing carve a singular path…” John Helliwell, Supertramp
“…music that we need to hear, music that’s very, very appropriate for this time in human history…check it out.” Clark Rundell, Conductor
“What an utterly captivating gorgeous work…” Will Todd, Composer
“…a master work…” Rulon Brown, Key Leaves President & Founder
APRIL 2021: Album track
Downpour features on the new CD from Rob Buckland, Just Because - Short stories for Solo Saxophone
Alongside works by Graham Fitkin, Jay Capperauld, Gwilym Simcock, Gary Carpenter, Sally Beamish, Julian Argüelles, Andy Scott and a suite by Rob himself
“Throughout my life as a performer, I have always sought out and connected with music with a narrative, a story to tell…”
Available from Bandcamp or www.robbuckland.com
SAMPLER VIDEO BELOW ⇩
MARCH 2021
UNLOCKED - album pre-orders available
MARCH 2021
Many new commissions received between January - March 2021 for Saxophone repertoire:-
- Sax & Electronics duo
- Sax & Horn duo, with track
- Alto Sax duo
- 2 Saxophone quartets
- Alto Sax & track
- Saxophone concert etude series
More info upon completion
JAN 2021 - #lockthesaxdown SERIES RETURNS
More releases to continue the popular series…
NEW SINGLE OUT NOW on Bandcamp
With Emma McPhilemy
From the upcoming #lockthesaxdown album
Album pre-orders available here (early 2021)
Produced by Rob Buckland
22.12.20
DEC 2020 -
CASS MAGAZINE ARTICLE
3 page article on the #lockthesaxdown series and album in the CASS* magazine Winter 2020 issue
(*Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain)
october 2020
Successful kickstarter campaign! the #lockthesaxdown album is underway….
Following the popular international social media series #lockthesaxdown - created with fellow Saxophonist Emma McPhilemy - we hit our Kickstarter target to fund an album of music from the series, plus brand new compositions
With 125 backers from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, UK, USA, we were 118% funded
6 tracks are already recorded, and we’re currently composing the new material to record in December
Manufacture and release is due in early 2021
CD Pre-orders available here
SEPTEMBER 2020
2 NEW SAXOPHONE COMMISSIONS - ‘Milestone’ and ‘one sky’
‘Milestone’ - for Solo Alto Saxophone. Commissioned by Saxophonist Michele Chirichella (Italy - a #lockthesaxdown participant) for his brother Nico (also a Saxophonist) as a graduation present. A journey through the various emotions of achieving a milestone.
‘One Sky’ - for Alto Saxophone & Piano. Commissioned by Saxophonist Shaniqa Lin (Western Australia - a #lockthesaxdown participant) for a programme of Latin-American inspired music.
Both of these works will soon be available for purchase, after exclusivity periods end
june 2020
Chetham’s school of music webinar
Jenni ‘visited’ her old school, Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, UK, for a webinar as part of their online summer course during lockdown. Speaking to the Woodwind students on ‘Portfolio Careers’, what an impressive group of young musicians there were! Intelligent, insightful questions, impressive playing and inspiring creativity. Chets Woodwind is a strong department indeed!
may 2020
#lockthesaxdown ONLINE PERFORMANCE CHALLENGE SERIES
Working with Selmer / Vandoren / Key Leaves Artist Emma McPhilemy, a new series is launched for the online saxophone community, focussed on using new music as a useful practise tool
Players are invited to download free sample materials of Jenni’s pieces for Sax & track, and upload them on social media using #lockthesaxdown
Each piece chosen will challenge a particular technical aspect of playing, and hopes to serve as a new alternative to solo technique practise
#CoronaCommissions project with the german choir of london - update
The work for choir & sax ensemble (The Freiburg Saxophone Ensemble) is almost complete!
Jenni has been selected to write a new work for the German Choir of London (Deutscher Chor London) in response to the current Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting feelings of fear. A fantastic project by the choir and its Director, Barbara Höfling, several composers have been commissioned, providing much needed financial assistance, as well as the very positive outcome of creating varied new works for Choir in a single endeavour.
April 2020
New works
Sax Ensemble - The commission for the Yorkshire Saxophone Choir, to help celebrate their 20th Anniversary, is almost finished…watch this space!
Chosen as a “CoronaCommissions” artist, a new work is underway for the German Choir of London, with the Freiburger Saxophon Akademie - to be premiered in London in October 2020
NOW AVAILABLE (sheet music for sale on this site):-
“Solitude” - for Solo Piano Watch here
August & September 2019
New works
Over the summer break, Jenni continues to compose and to collate previous works for online publication.
NOW AVAILABLE (sheet music for sale on this site):-
“Downpour” - for Solo Saxophone Watch here
“Waves” - for Saxophone Ensemble (SSAATTBB)
“Conformity” - for Alto Saxophone & Piano. Recording by Selmer Artist Emma McPhilemy (commissioner) to be released soon.
“Meliai” - for Soprano Saxophone & Marimba
NEW COMMISSIONS IN PROGRESS:-
Alto Saxophone & Backing Track - for Yamaha Artist Erin Royer
Solo Clarinet & Backing Track - for Simon Tillier (Director, University of Minnesota Morris Symphonic Winds)
July 2019
Victoria International arts festival, Malta
Jenni performs with Sally MacTaggart, Alastair Penman and Sam Corkin at this wonderful festival on the beautiful island of Gozo, Malta.
A Sunday evening performance in the courtyard of the Bishop’s palace.
June 2019
Kaleidoscope @ St Magnus Festival, Orkney
The Sax Quartet travel to the Orkney Isles to give 2 performances as part of the famous St Magnus International Festival.
Firstly, an open-air recital onboard the wonderful Stadsraad Lehmkuhl, a beautiful 3-masted vessel from Bergen, Norway, stationed in Orkney during the festival.
Secondly, a recital in the church on the beautiful and fairly remote island of Hoy, where Peter Maxwell Davies once lived.
APRIL 2019
MINNESOTA - RECORDING SESSION & Recital presentation
Jenni travels to the US…
The wonderful students of the University of Minnesota Morris Symphonic Winds, under their fabulous director Simon Tillier, record the new commission ‘States of Matter’.
‘States of Matter’ is a 3 movement work for Wind Ensemble with a theme of climate change and evolving landscapes.
Jenni also gives an evening’s recital presentation to students & staff.
March 2019
Guest artist, Saxophone Bootcamp - Perth, Australia
Jenni is guest artist at this weekend workshop led by the energetic, inspirational Erin Royer (Yamaha Artist).
Students will work with Jenni in a group composition workshop, take part in a solo masterclass, and perform Jenni’s works, along with the group’s new composition, to family and friends at the conclusion of the weekend.
January - APril 2019
travelling - Duo performances
Jenni travels with duo partner Martin Jacoby on several trips:-
The Amazon, the Caribbean, the Pacific islands, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka…
NOvember 2018
Recording at LSO St Luke’s
The Kaleidoscope Sax Quartet record Mark Bowler’s 3 movement work “Puzzle Book”.
Written specifically for the quartet, each movement is based on a particular mathematical-based motif and compositional process, and the result is 3 contrasting and rather fabulous movements.
Listen here:- iTunes
Discover more about Mark Bowler
october 2018
Commissions underway
After performances at the World Sax Congress in July, and subsequent Duo and Quartet concerts, Jenni is now in ‘composition mode’, tackling several commissions before the new year:-
1 - Melia Duo (Soprano Sax and Marimba, for Hannah Fry and Alex Smith)
2- Emma McPhilemy (Alto Sax and Piano)
3 - University of Minnesota Morris Winds (Wind Ensemble - 2 more movements to accompany ‘Icemelt’, in a larger work, ‘States of Matter’)
July 2018
World Saxophone Congress, zagreb
The 2018 Congress was a huge success for all involved, with so many fabulous concerts, and a real ‘meeting of minds’, with friends old and new.
Jenni performed in 4 recitals (with duo partner Martin Jacoby in a tribute to Debussy, with Perth Saxophonist Erin Royer with multimedia, with the Kaleidoscope Saxophone Quartet, and with the Tenor Saxophone Collective), and had a world premiere performed by Nathan Henshaw (Sydney) - ‘Steam’, for Tenor Saxophone and Piano.
After a real whirlwind of preparation, much fun and great music-making was had by all.
Videos of some of Jenni’s performances can be found here
June 2018
World Saxophone Congress preparation
With so many performances at the Congress in Zagreb (July 2018), Jenni is busy preparing lots of new compositions and arrangements, for Sax & Piano, and Sax Duo with backing track.
Jenni will be performing recitals with Martin Jacoby, Erin Royer, Kaleidoscope Saxophone Quartet, and the Tenor Saxophone Collective.
Nathan Henshaw is also due to give the world premiere of a new piece....if it is finished on time!
May 2018
Melia Duo commission well underway...
The first draft of the commission from Hannah Fry & Alex Smith for their Saxophone & Percussion Duo is complete.
Things are looking groovy...
April 2018
Kaleidoscope Saxophone Quartet @ 1901 Arts Club, Hattori Foundation Recital
As past recipients of the fantastic Hattori Foundation funding programme, the quartet were delighted to give the final 'Rush Hour' concert series recital.
On one of the hottest days of the year, the quartet played to a sold out audience in this intimate and beautiful venue. The atmosphere both during the concert, and afterwards in the bar, were fantastic - and lots of new acquaintances were made!
The concert also saw the World Premiere of Mark Bowler's fantastic new piece, 'Puzzle Book', of which there are currently 3 movements, hopefully with plans for more in the future.
March 2018
"Icemelt" Premiere - University of Minnesota Morris Symphonic winds commission
Simon Tillier (Conductor) and the University kindly commissioned a brand new work for their Wind Ensemble.
"Icemelt" is a reaction to both the beauty and elegant structures of ice, and the devastating consequence of global warming.
They gave the premiere on their home turf on 4th March 2018, before taking it on a tour of Alaska during May 2018.
"Icemelt" has so far received wonderful praise, and there are plans to hopefully make this into one movement of a larger work....Watch this space!
Check out the trailer here...
March 2018
Sydney Girls High School / Sydney Boys High School composition workshops
During a visit to the wonderful city of Sydney (after a tour of of Australia and New Zealand performing Classical recitals on the Queen Mary 2), Jenni popped in to volunteer her services at these two fantastic institutions and their brilliant music departments. She worked with the students on their compositions for their academic exams, giving both group and individual advice (and giving some freebie CDs from the suitcase....!)
January 2018
World Saxophone Congress - Croatia
Jenni will be performing several recitals at this prestigious international Saxophone event in July 2018.
Duo recital with Martin Jacoby (Piano) - "Debussy 100: Reimagined"
Duo recital with Erin Royer (Sax) - "Around Sound"
Quartet recital with Kaleidoscope Saxophone Quartet - "We Can't Go Back to Yesterday"
Tenor Saxophone Collective recital (International group, 12 Tenors)
She has also been commissioned to write a new work for Tenor Sax & Piano by Sydney Selmer & Silverstein artist Nathan Henshaw.
JUNE 2017
New recordings with martin jacoby
Jenni recently spent 3 days recording in Manchester with her duo partner Martin Jacoby, the fantastic pianist and composer.
Watch this space for releases of several classical covers and original music of a very different nature to the pair's usual remit...
JUNE 2017
EURSAX - PORTO, July 2017
Jenni is delighted to be performing twice at the forthcoming European Saxophone Congress "EurSax" in Porto in July:-
Andy Scott's Tenor Saxophone Collective - as performer and composer
Recital with Martin Jacoby of original music for Saxophone & Piano
July 2016
"CRE8" - Launch of new creative summer school, 11th/12th August 2016, @ sax.co.uk London store
Along with Alastair Penman, Anthony Brown, Phil Meadows and Special Guest Rob Buckland, Jenni is excited to launch the new 2 day creative course CRE8, under the umbrella of the British Annual Saxophone Symposium (BASS). The course brings together Saxophonists, Composers and Electronic Music Producers to create new music, and there will be masterclasses, a tutor concert, and the opportunity to record your new music.
BASS are grateful to D'Addario, Yanagisawa and Sax.co.uk for supporting the event - they will all be exhibiting so that you can try out their instruments/accessories.
TICKETS & INFO: www.cre8.saxophonecourse.co.uk
may 2016
KALEIDOSCOPE SAXOPHONE QUARTET - DEBUT ALBUM (COMMISSION)
This creative London-based quartet hold their debut album launch 04.07.16 at Islington Metalworks, London. Incorporating beautiful music & visual art, it should be rather exciting....Produced by John Harle, and featuring music by Jonny Greenwood, John 'Rittipo'-Moore, Oliver C Leith, Steve Martland, Gavin Bryars & yours truly ("Tinged").
Links: Kaleidoscope Sax Quartet Promo video
Urban Species album now streaming
Commissioned in 2012 by Saxophonist Kyran Matthews, the crossover concept album Urban Species, inspired by urban living, is now available to stream on Jenni's website and Soundcloud. Half composed, half improvised, the album utilises Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones for the Soloist, Piano, Track & Visuals. Produced by Rob Buckland.
april 2016
sound affair duo launched
After working together since 2012, Jenni and her duo partner Martin Jacoby (Piano) officially launch new branding under the name Sound Affair. A multi-instrumental duo dedicated to creating accessible music, the duo co-compose and arrange new works to bridge the divide between easy-listening classical and heavy contemporary repertoire. Click here to see their new promo video, hear recordings, and read more.
march 2016
external woodwind and saxophone specialist - university recitals
Jenni has been invited to examine on the panel of the Woodwind and Saxophone recitals at a UK University for the 2016 end of year performances, across all three year groups. At this time, she will not disclose which University! She is honoured to have been offered this position and looks forward to hearing and commenting on a variety of recitals.
february 2016
Recital at Rothschild Sky pavillion (May 2016)
A fantastic setting for a lunchtime recital, Jenni is proud to announce she will be bringing music from her various projects to the stunning Rothschild Sky Pavillion in the heart of London, overlooking St Paul's Cathedral. Joined by duo partner Martin Jacoby on Piano, the concert will feature Jenni's multi-instrumental and compositional talents, in original music and unique takes on established repertoire. More info
January 2016
Lecturing at BIMM London
Jenni is honoured to be asked to join the teaching staff at BIMM London, as Lecturer in Arranging on the BA Music Production and Songwriting courses.
December 2015
Commission for Onyx Brass - Fanfare
Jenni's latest work Fanfare for Brass: Libertê was performed live by Onyx Brass on BBC Radio 3's "In Tune" afternoon programme, and premiered at Milton Court, Guildhall (London), in concert with the BBC Singers.
November 2015
Album launch feature - Alastair Penman's "Electric Dawn"
Jenni's commission Deconstruct (Soprano Saxophone & Electronics) features as track 2 on Alastair's debut album, receiving high praise both for the album itself and Jenni's contribution. Produced by John Harle, launched at The Forge, Camden, and performed at the Royal Northern College of Music annual Sax Day, Manchester.
LISTEN HERE (First track on album trailer)
October 2015
UK Premiere
Saxophonist Hannah Marcinowicz gives the UK Premiere of Jenni's Venture (for Soprano Saxophone & Piano) at King's Place, London, as part of the "Women of the World" Festival. Concert features screen composers such as Debbie Wiseman (Wolf Hall) and Jocelyn Pook (Spooks).
SEPTEMBER 2015
NEW ALBUM HONEY STORM RELEASED 28.09.15!
To coincide with her 30th birthday, Jenni releases her most personal album to date.
A multi-instrumental album crossing classical & jazz styles with a unique alternative flavour.
Honey Storm journeys through the mind, exploring a spectrum of moods and thoughts in an uplifting experience.
AUGUST 2015
NEW ALBUM RECORDING AUGUST 2015
Jenni records her new album with Producer Rob Buckland mid-August 2015.
Showcasing her multi-instrumental & vocal talents once again, this album will be a very personal project, and one of varying influences, beginning a shift away from purely classical work.
JULY 2015
5 world premieres of Jenni's compositions at SaxOpen: World Saxophone Congress, Strasbourg, France
"Neurons" for the RNCM Saxophone Orchestra
"Emergence" for the Tenor Saxophone Collective
"Many Faces" for Alto Saxophone & Piano (co-written with Martin Jacoby)
"The Dardanelles" Suite for Soprano/Alto/Tenor Saxpohone & Piano (co-written with Martin Jacoby)
"Venture" for Soprano Saxophone & Piano