Valentin Kovalev

Saxophonist, educator, and content creator Valentin Kovalev is an ebullient and highly eclectic performer whose unique style was developed after studying in Russia, France, and the US. Hailing from Siberia, he strives to demonstrate how passion and perseverance can transcend geographical boundaries, using his music to inspire and empower others in the pursuit of their dreams. His work is driven by his passion for fostering connections, offering support to Ukrainian saxophonists, and amplifying marginalized voices in the classical music world.Named the winner of the most prestigious international competition, such as MTNA Competition (US), Manhattan International Music Competition (US), Classic Winds Competition (Israel), AndorraSaxFest (Andorra), Anches Simples de Toulouse (France), EkaterinburgSaxFest (Russia), GoldenSax (Ukraine), Valentin is also the recipient of significant awards from foundations in France - Fondation pour la Vocation, in Russia - Rostropovich Foundation, and in the US - Musical Fund Society. Valentin performed at Carnegie Hall, soloed with many prestigious orchestras in his native Russia, France, and the US, toured ten cities in China, and performed in several countries in Europe. Valentin is a Henri Selmer, Paris artist, and is represented by Astral Artists of Philadelphia.As the recent winner of the esteemed Naumburg Foundation 2022 Saxophone Competition, Valentin is excited for his Carnegie Hall Debut Recital in the 2023-2024 season with a premier of newly commissioned piece from American composer Steve Mackey. Valentin’s musical journey brought him from studying saxophone in Siberia to Moscow, obtaining an undergraduate degree from the esteemed Paris Conservatory, and completing a Master's degree at the University of Michigan.In August 2023, Valentin had the honor of joining the acclaimed electronic dance music violinist, Lindsey Stirling, on stage in Portsmouth, VA for a captivating audience of 6,000 people.