Classique
Barry Cockcroft
Saxophonist and composer, Barry Cockcroft’s music has received thousands of performances throughout the world and is played regularly in more than 50 countries. His music is repeatedly programmed by some of the world’s finest musicians.
Barry Cockcroft has been concerto soloist with groups including the United States Navy Band and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and he has performed his composition Melbourne Concerto with groups in Australia, Slovenia, Croatia, Costa Rica and Colombia. He has played with major Australian orchestras for 20 years has been a regular guest with the Malaysian Philharmonic. Barry has appeared at major events including the Melbourne Festival, the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, the Brisbane Festival and continues to attend international saxophone events throughout the world.
He is a Selmer Artist and since 2009 has been a member of the International Saxophone Committee, supporting the triennial World Saxophone Congress.
Barry has given masterclasses at the Paris Conservatoire (France), George Mason University (USA), Trinity Laban Conservatoire (UK) and major universities across Australia. He has adjudicated for The Adolphe Sax International Competition (Belgium), the Gisborne International Music Competition (New Zealand) and the finals of Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards (Australia).
Barry studied in Australia with Dr. Peter Clinch for 5 years and for 2 years in Bordeaux France with saxophonists Jacques Net, Marie-Bernadette Charrier and Jean-Marie Londeix.
Captivating, quirky and technically demanding, Barry’s compositions have seen successful adoption into mainstream repertoire. His music successfully integrates contemporary techniques into well-known genres, structures and rhythms. The combination of familiar sounds with new ideas has allowed audiences of all kinds to appreciate his music.
Since 1996, Barry’s close association with over 120 composers has led to the publication of around 15,000 works. Barry has rallied composers writing the most advanced concert music to remember also the developing players who require a stimulating and original repertoire of their own. Barry encourages musicians to perform not only the newest music, but also the best new music. His own pedagogical books help to guide thousands of developing musicians each year.
An enthusiastic traveller Barry has visited around 80 countries and continues to compose and perform. He is host of The Barry Sax Show podcast.
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