After a 12-year hiatus, the Dinant Young Saxophonists’ Competition will return over the first two weekends of March, which is organised by the International Adolphe Sax Association.
This will be the ninth edition of the competition, which was last held in 2013. A total of 70 Belgian and Luxembourgish candidates aged seven to 19 years old will perform pieces they have been preparing for several months.
These candidates will compete in four categories based on age: preparatory (up to 10 years old), beginner (up to 13 years old), intermediate (up to 16 years old) and advanced (up to 19 years old).
Additionally, there will be a special category for saxophone ensembles with at least three saxophonists, whether amateur or professional. For each round, candidates will present a set piece and a piece of their choice.
Statue of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Credit: Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
"While the preparatory category candidates have a lighter programme as it is their first competition experience, the advanced category candidates face a high-level competition," explained the International Adolphe Sax Association.
"These 17 to 19-year-olds are preparing for higher education in saxophone studies. Their round is more technical: they will perform for 30 minutes on stage, presenting two set pieces and two chosen pieces. The jury will evaluate their technical mastery, interpretation, and originality."
The goal of the Young Saxophonists’ Competition is to allow candidates to explore new repertoires, challenge their existing skills, and perform in front of a large audience, beyond the traditional settings of auditions and exams.
All rounds and concerts are accessible to the public free of charge and without any reservation required.
