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Born in 1992, Slovenian saxophonist Jan Gričar is one of the most promising figures on the international saxophone scene.
He graduated with honors from the Academy of Music in Ljubljana in the classes of Matjaž Drevenšek and Miha Rogina, then continued his studies in France with Vincent David at the Conservatoire Régional de Versailles.
He pursued further studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP), where he obtained his Master’s degree in the class of Claude Delangle, as well as a bachelor’s degree in chamber music under the guidance of László Hadady.
International artistic career
Jan Gričar performs regularly on European and Asian stages, notably at:
➤ Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris)
➤ Salle Cortot (Paris)
➤ Radio France Musique
➤ Izumi Hall (Japan)
➤ Essen Philharmonic
➤ Vienna Musikverein
➤ Slovak Philharmonic
➤ Cankarjev Dom (Slovenia)
He has been invited to many international festivals: Jeunes Talents, Nuits Musicales de Rouergue, Vox Musica (France), Schleswig-Holstein, Young Classic Europe, Rising Stars (Germany), Nei Suoni dei Luoghi (Italy), Lent, Imago and Minoriti (Slovenia).
Collaborations and creations
As a soloist, Jan has performed with prestigious orchestras:
➤ Vienna Symphony Orchestra
➤ Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra
➤ National Classical Orchestra of Andorra
➤ RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra
➤ Slovenian Philharmonic
He also collaborates with renowned ensembles such as Ensemble Intercontemporain and Neofonía Ensemble, under the direction of distinguished conductors including En Shao, Matthias Pintscher, Aleksandar Marković, Boian Videnoff, Anton Nanut, and Marko Letonja.
Deeply committed to contemporary creation, he has premiered more than 20 works written for him by national and international composers.
He records regularly for RTV Slovenia and participates in various recording projects.
Competitions and awards
Winner of numerous national and international competitions, Jan Gričar has been recognized at:
➤ TEMSIG (Slovenia)
➤ Marco Fiorindo Competition (Italy)
➤ Andorra Sax Fest
➤ Primož Ramovš Chamber Music Competition
➤ International Competition Nova Gorica
➤ Osaka International Chamber Music Competition
➤ Vienna International Music Competition
For his overall career, he received the Škerjanc Prize from the Ljubljana Conservatory, the Prešeren Prize, and the Honorary Diploma for outstanding academic achievements from the University of Ljubljana.
He was also a recipient of the Zois Scholarship and a grant from the Ministry of Culture.
Pedagogical and artistic commitment
A saxophone and chamber music professor at the Conservatory of Music and Ballet in Ljubljana, Jan Gričar also serves as saxophone assistant at the University of Ljubljana.
In 2019, he became the artistic director of the SAXGO International Festival (Nova Gorica), dedicated to classical saxophone.
He regularly gives masterclasses in Slovenia, France, Serbia, and Croatia, and serves as a jury member at several international competitions.
An active member of the Saksofonija Music Society, he contributes to the promotion of the saxophone and the development of the Slovenian music scene.
