Krannert Center Debut Artist Concert: Andrew Gaffey

Equally at home in the music of Monteverdi and Berio, the 2026 Krannert Center Debut Artist Andrew Gaffey is rapidly establishing himself as a saxophonist at the international level. Performance engagements have taken him throughout the United States and abroad, with recent appearances at the Darmstädter Ferienkurse für Neue Musik in Germany, Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Florida State University of Festival of New Music, among many others. Devoted to collaboration with composers and sharing new music, Gaffey has premiered works by numerous composers and is the saxophonist with the Illinois Modern Ensemble, appearing as a headline soloist with that group on the 29th Annual Martirano Concert in October 2025. Andrew does not limit himself to the concert saxophone and is active in other areas of music. As a jazz saxophonist, he performed for four years with the Blair Big Band at Vanderbilt University, receiving two Downbeat Awards with that ensemble and touring the nation of Colombia in 2019.

The Krannert Center Debut Artist concert beautifully embodies the nature of Krannert Center as a collaborative laboratory, classroom, and public square. Each January, Krannert Center and the School of Music choose by audition an outstanding student. This performer then receives a professional contract for their Debut Artist performance, working with members of Krannert Center's staff and School of Music faculty to plan, present, promote, and document their recital. This offers audience members an opportunity to hear a rising University of Illinois performer and to nurture the talent here in our community.

Program

Andrew Gaffey, saxophone
Ieng Ieng Lam, piano

SHADES OF SAXOPHONE

Amanda Harber (b. 1973)
Feathers and Wax

William Grant Still (1895-1978)
Arr. Andrew Gaffey
Summerland

Florent Schmitt (1870-1958)
Legende, Op. 66

20-minute intermission

Marilyn Shrude (b. 1946)
Renewing the Myth

Fernande Decruck (1896-1954)
Sonate en ut#
I. Très modéré, expressif
II. Noel
III. Fileuse
IV. Nocturne et Rondel

Andy Scott (b. 1966)
Paquito

Please note that the following items are not allowed in the concert hall: backpacks, large bags, strollers, instrument cases, food, beverages other than bottled water, tripods, signs, balloons, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, and any other items deemed to be dangerous or to pose an obstruction. Thank you for your cooperation with these guidelines.