John Barker performs as a solo recitalist across the UK and recently made his Purcell Room debut to outstanding critical acclaim. This year he is being promoted by Making Music having received the Philip and Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists.
He is also member of the acclaimed Tempest Saxophone Quartet, performing with them on the late Yehudi Menuhin's Live Music Now! Scheme.
Awards and Competitions
- BBC Young Musicians Woodwind Finalist, 1998
- Ian Fleming Music Education Award, 2001
- Winner, Clarinet and Saxophone Society Young Players Competition, 2002
- Royal Overseas League Wind Finalist, 2003
- Young Concert Artists Trust Finalist, 2003
- Countess of Munster Musical Trust Recital Scheme, 2004
- Kirckman Concert Society: Purcell Room solo debut, 2004
- Park Lane Group Young Artists Series: Tempest Purcell Room debut, 2004
- Making Music Award for Young Concert Artists, 2005
Studies:
- Royal College of Music 1997-2002 (Foundation Scholar, Master of Music with distinction)
- Teachers: Martin Robertson and Kyle Horch
- Awarded Marjorie and Dorothy Whyte Memorial Prize for an outstanding graduate
- Hochschule der Kuenste, Berlin 1999-2000.
“John Barker is an astonishingly accomplished saxophonist. Whether on alto or soprano, there appears to be no limit to his technique. He and Timothy Sidford were the stars of the evening …”
Stephen Pritchard, The Observer
“John Barker displayed a confidence that made each work sound exactly as it was meant to be with the assurance that he was in complete control of his instrument at every moment”
Manus Carey, Musical Opinion
“Thanks for playing my Two Elegies so beautifully. You played them with such strength and character. Made me want to write more for the sax.”
Mark-Anthony Turnage
“John Barker played both soprano and alto saxophones with ultimate control and fluidity”
Clarinet and Saxophone Society magazine