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Michael Jamieson, a New Zealand saxophonist with a prestigious international career, stands out for his artistic excellence and pedagogical commitment.
As a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher, he collaborates with major orchestras and shares his passion through the NZ Saxophone Society and the NZ Classical Saxophone Festival / Summer School.
Born in Taranaki, New Zealand, Michael began the saxophone at the age of 14 and quickly developed a deep passion for the instrument.
He started his studies in 2000 at the Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand School of Music), where he won the very first Annual Duo Competition.
After completing his postgraduate studies at Massey University / NZSM with honors, Michael received several prestigious awards:
➤ Massey University Cultural Award
➤ Creative NZ Scholarship
➤ Patricia Pratt Scholarship
➤ Doctoral Scholarship from the University of Canterbury
These accolades enabled him to attend the Messiaen Academy masterclass with Johan van der Linden, while also studying with Arno Bornkamp and Willem van Merwijk.
An exceptional international journey
Michael continued his training at the Conservatoire National de Région de Strasbourg with Philippe Geiss.
He took part in masterclasses and performed alongside the Ellipsos Quartet, Étienne Rolin, and Jean-Marie Londeix.
His path then led him to the International Saxophone Week in Amsterdam, the European Summer University for Saxophone in Gap, and several World Saxophone Congresses.
In the Netherlands, he was invited to perform with all the national youth wind orchestras:
➤ Jonge NBE
➤ Nederlands Jeugd Fanfare Orkest
➤ Nederlands Jeugd Harmonie Orkest
A remarkable orchestral and solo career
Since obtaining his Master of Music degree in 2007, Michael Jamieson has been highly sought after as an orchestral musician.
He has collaborated with:
➤ Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
➤ Radio Kamer Filharmonie
➤ Netherlands Symphony Orchestra
➤ Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
➤ Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
➤ New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
He has notably distinguished himself in works by Glazunov, Debussy, and Villa-Lobos, and in 2006 performed as a soloist with the Nederlands Bach Ensemble.
A key figure in New Zealand’s saxophone scene
Since his return to New Zealand in 2013, Michael has been actively engaged in the development of the classical saxophone community.
He founded the NZ Saxophone Society and created the NZ Classical Saxophone Festival / Summer School, where he serves as artistic director.
Today, he is:
➤ Professor of Saxophone at the University of Auckland
➤ President of the New Zealand Saxophone Society
➤ Musical Director of the Auckland Youth Symphonic Band
➤ Doctoral candidate at the University of Canterbury
