Guest Artist - Matt Ennis

Praised for “his ability to remain musical, poetic, and profound while navigating the challenges of contemporary music," saxophonist Matt Ennis’ vibrant career encompasses solo, recital and chamber music performances, blending programs of avant-garde contemporary saxophone works with re-interpreted baroque and classical transcriptions. Highlights from Matt’s 2012-13 recital tour include performances in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and Barcelona, and the season culminated with his televised New York debut recital at Liederkranz Hall. Matt is an active symphonic player, appearing frequently as an orchestral member and also as a featured soloist, and he has worked and recorded under the direction of several distinguished composers including Alan Silvestri, John Williams, John Corigliano, Thomas Ades, and many more.

Matt completed his Doctor of Music Arts degree in Saxophone Performance at the University of Southern California, where he studied with renowned saxophonist James Rotter. It was during this time that he was a finalist and winner of numerous international solo competitions including the Hennings-Fischer Young Artist’ Competition in Burbank, California and the Olga Koussevitsky Young Artists’ Competition in New York, New York. Matt currently serves on the music faculty at Marymount College in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and at Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, California, and he makes frequent appearances as an adjudicator, educator and mentor for young and aspiring saxophonists.