Dr. Joshua Heaney is a saxophonist and educator based in Oklahoma City whose performances and research have taken him to China, Italy, Switzerland, and throughout the United States. Praised as “a sparkling and emotionally charged elixir of sound” (WGTE Morning Classics), Dr. Heaney appears regularly as a concerto soloist, most recently with the Harbin Symphony, Oklahoma City University Wind Ensemble, and Missouri State University Wind Ensemble. An active orchestral saxophonist, he routinely performs with the OKC Philharmonic and Oklahoma Chamber Orchestra, with previous engagements including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Lima Symphony, Macon Symphony, and the Eastern Music Festival Pops. Recognized for his contributions to contemporary music, Dr. Heaney has commissioned and premiered more than 50 works by leading composers such as Augusta Read Thomas, Marilyn Shrude, Viet Cuong, and many others. His performances have been featured at major festivals and conferences including SoundNOW, BG New Music Festival, SHE: Festival, Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival, North American Saxophone Alliance, and the World Saxophone Congress.
Dr. Joshua Heaney serves as Saxophone Instructor and Recruitment Coordinator at Oklahoma City University’s Bass School of Music. Each summer, he teaches at New England Music Camp and the internationally recognized Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute at Snow Pond Music Festival.
OFFICIAL CD ALBUM RELEASE
ALCHEMY - Debut Album This release features contemporary music for saxophone and piano concerned with exploring a fundamentally intertwined relationship. Performed by saxophonist Joshua Heaney and pianist composer Benjamin Nylander, each piece is highly idiomatic for each instrument and makes full use of a wide pallet of techniques, colours, and sounds. The end result is a collection of music that could not be possibly performed on any other combination of instruments. Seeking novel expression, story telling, and human connection through contemporary music.
Track Listing
1. John Anthony Lennon: Distances Within Me (1979)
2. Marilyn Shrude: Lacrimosa (2006, premiere recording)
3. Mischa Zupko: Simple Song (2019, premiere recording)
4. Benjamin Nylander: Body of Water (2022, premiere recording)
5. Viet Cuong: Sanctuary (2020, premiere recording)
“Joshua Heaney and Benjamin Nylander execute Alchemy with the elegant precision, resonance, and introspection necessary to formulate a sparkling and emotionally charged elixir of sound.”
“Saxophone & piano duo finds the right chemistry on Alchemy!”
“I really enjoyed your CD! Excellent production, I like the way you play the saxophone. Really excellent playing and repertoire!”
“Alchemy is an intense experience, and it struck me in a powerful way upon first hearing it…an outstanding release absolutely worth purchasing.”
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