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), he has recently appeared as a concerto soloist with the Harbin Symphony at the 20th World Saxophone Congress and performs regularly with the OKC Philharmonic and Oklahoma Chamber Symphony.
Recognized for his contributions to contemporary music, Dr. Heaney has commissioned and premiered more than 50 works by composers including Augusta Read Thomas, Marilyn Shrude, and Viet Cuong, with performances at the World Saxophone Congress, North American Saxophone Alliance, and SHE: Festival of Women in Music, among others. His debut album, ALCHEMY: New Music for Saxophone and Piano, is available worldwide through Clarinet & Saxophone Classics (London).
At Oklahoma City University's Bass School of Music, Dr. Heaney serves as Saxophone Instructor and Recruitment Coordinator. He also oversees OCU’s Multiple Woodwind Performance program, is founder-director of the Oklahoma Saxophone Ensemble, and serves as Region 4 Director for the North American Saxophone Alliance.
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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