Award-Winning Saxophonist Ashu to Play in Hopkins

(The following news release comes from the . The concert takes place at 8 p.m. March 31 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now at www.hopkinsartscenter.com or 952-979-1111.)

Saxophonists, classical music lovers, and more will be amazed by the energy and style of Ashu. At age 26, Ashu has established an extraordinary ability to communicate with audiences around the world through his charismatic and moving performance style. While his virtuosity continues to thrill listeners, he also has a unique personality and musical voice. He has repeatedly defied conventions by winning major competitions traditionally won by pianists and violinists.

While most people have never heard the saxophone in concert music, Ashu has begun to change this. He says, "It's really an incredible instrument. It can play with such emotional intensity, sing like a voice, and effortlessly project in the largest of halls. It's capable of a lot of really beautiful things."

Solo performances have taken him throughout Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Portugal, West Indies, and the USA; with upcoming concerts in Australia, New Zealand, and the Baltic. Regularly touring as soloist with orchestras throughout the USA and Europe, recent invitations have included the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon, with such venues as Carnegie Hall and the Vienna Konzerthaus.

His playing has been described as “riveting...brilliant...pizzazz to burn!” (NPR Performance Today)

Critics have raved that he's "just as much fun to watch as he is to listen to" (Dallas Morning News)

Ashu will be accompanied by pianist Kuang-Hao Huang.

This is part of a concert series featuring national and regional touring artists ranging from Lee Ritenour to The Persuasions to Bruce Henry.

The Hopkins Center for the Arts welcomed over 210,000 visitors last year and is a focal point for arts, education, and entertainment in the center of downtown Hopkins.  The Arts Center builds community through the arts by fostering creative expression and providing artistic and educational opportunities for people of all ages. For more information, see www.hopkinsartscenter.com.