Simon Brew (NZ)

Simon Graduated from the Artez Conservatorium, the Netherlands, in 2010 with a Master degree in classical saxophone under Johan van der Linden. Prior to this gained his Honours degree (1st class) from Massey University, New Zealand, under Debbie Rawson. He has been a contract player for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia and the Netherlands Blazers Ensemble. He has performed and toured NZ and abroad with Saxcess, the Hanumi Quartet, Tango Virtuosi and the Four Baritones ensemble.

Simon has performed with various ensembles in numerous festivals including the Asia Pacific Music Festival (NZ), BBC Proms (Royal Albert Hall) (UK), Taranaki Arts Festival (NZ), Brandenburgischen Sommerkonzerte (Berlin), Middleburg Kamermuziek Festival (NL), Grachtenfestival (Amsterdam), Grenswerk Festival (NL), and the 2006 North American Saxophone Conference (USA). Awards include the 2010 winner of the prestigious Grachtenfestival Conservatorium Competition in Amsterdam as well as winning by public vote the Artez Kunstnacht Competition for best graduating student for 2010 (both with the Runeas Duo). He also won best saxophonist under 30 at the International Festival of Single Reeds in Melbourne (2005), and 3rd place in the New Zealand National Concerto Competition (2003). For the later competition Simon played the Glazunov Concerto with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, which was recorded and broadcast by Radio NZ. He has also appeared as a soloist with the Wellington Chamber Orchestra, Netherlands Accordion Orchestra, Wellington Youth Sinfonietta, and with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in a special reading and recording of a concerto written for him by Michael Vinten.