Vitaly Vatulya

Vitaly Vatulya graduated from the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, where he studied with Margarita Shaposhnikova, before continuing his education at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam under Arno Bornkamp. His musical career has taken him across Europe, Asia, and beyond, performing as a soloist and chamber musician in prestigious venues and festivals.

As a dedicated chamber musician, Vatulya co-founded VitaDuo with pianist Maria Nemtsova, a duo known for its innovative programming and collaborations with contemporary composers who create new works specifically for them. Since 2022, he has been the soprano saxophonist of the Amstel Saxophone Quartet, a leading European ensemble and regular participant in the most prestigious festivals in the Netherlands and across Europe.

His discography includes four highly acclaimed recordings featuring works by Hindemith, Debussy, Franck, Steve Reich, Edison Denisov, Jacob TV, Mendelssohn, and Borne, reflecting his dedication to both classic and contemporary saxophone repertoire. His performances have been featured on European radio and television, further establishing his presence in the international music scene.

In addition to his performing career, Vatulya is a passionate advocate for contemporary music and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is a co-founder of the “Music for Peace” international charity project and “Re:Formers Fest”, a festival dedicated to contemporary music and artistic innovation. His projects often incorporate multimedia elements, exploring new forms of musical expression.

A sought-after educator, Vatulya has given masterclasses across Europe and Asia, working with students at leading conservatories and universities. Since 2018, he has been a faculty member of the Habanera Academy of Saxophone and a regular guest at the “Saxophone in Movement” Festival in Poitiers, France. He is currently a guest professor at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, as well as a saxophone professor at the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, stylistic versatility, and artistic individuality, inspiring students to develop their own musical voices.

Through his performances, recordings, and pedagogical work, Vitaly Vatulya continues to redefine the role of the saxophone in classical and contemporary music, shaping the future of the instrument and inspiring the next generation of musicians.