A versatile and knowledgeable musician, proficient on soprano to bass saxophones, flute, clarinet and wind synthesiser – enthusiastic for a diverse range of musical genres. He prides himself on working effectively in both independent and collaborative settings, applying a wealth of practical and theoretical expertise. He has a passion for music education, providing opportunities to children and drawing upon his own experiences to inspire them on their own musical journey.
With over a decade of musical experience, Samuel is a classically trained saxophone soloist, having worked under the tutelage of Christian Forshaw, and previously Gerard McChrystal. He has performed in venues across the country from concert halls to churches, playing music influenced by classical, tango, folk and jazz styles, along with many others. He is currently studying a bachelor’s degree in music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, studying with Christian Forshaw, Mick Foster and Nick Moss.
“…playing like that of a songbird…” – Member of the Rugby Music Union
“… beautiful soaring tone…” – Sue Jackson, violinist & educator
He is also a passionate curator of musical recitals, having presented his own summer concert, Saxophony, in 2024. The event was self-curated and featured the talents of 25 musicians, playing a diverse array of genres in ensembles from saxophone quartets and string quartets to a massed saxophone orchestra. Additionally, the majority of the repertoire performed comprised of premieres of works written by himself and other arrangers.
Samuel has recently taken up a position at Christ Church, Cheshunt, managing a series of weekly free lunchtime concerts in 2026, as well as a selection of specially curated evening recitals.
Showcasing his passion for pioneering new music, he has presented premieres of works by composers such as Steven Banks and Alastair Penman. He made his orchestral soloistic debut premiering his own arrangement of Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla for soprano saxophone and wind orchestra in April 2024.
He is currently touring with his most recent recital project, What Shapes A Soul?, throughout 2025 and 2026 at venues across the UK, with the project premiering at Selby Abbey, Yorkshire, in July 2025. Taking the listener on a journey from American gospel and spiritual hymns to their routes in African folk music, these concerts showcase unique musical voices in brand new contexts through many of Samuel’s own arrangements.
At the end of 2025, Samuel was invited to collaborate with composers Lucy Holmes and André Serra alongside choreographers from the London Contemporary Dance School for an interdisciplinary collaborative project culminating in a run of concerts at The Place.
“A tour de force of saxophone playing” – Mike, compere at St Peter’s Church, St Alban’s
“You’ve soothed our souls and taken us around the world at the same time… our souls have been soothed, awakened, and, perhaps, we’ve got much to contemplate” – Father Andrew Hall, vicar at St Catherine’s Church, Burbage
Samuel is an experienced music arranger with an advanced knowledge of music theory. His works have been performed in concert by the Guildhall Saxophone Ensemble and the Trinity Laban Saxophone Choir; on courses such as the Benslow Saxophone Course; at workshops led by Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra; and commissioned for education by the Leicestershire Schools Music Service.
He is a volunteer staff member for the Leicestershire Schools Music Service – teaching saxophone, writing arrangements, conducting youth ensembles and stage managing. He has mentored young people in their musical development from across the county in both individual and group teaching. In 2025, Samuel joined two ensembles from the music service in a European concert tour across Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands. He has recently taken a position in the Junior Department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
“His commitment to understanding the musical context of the pieces he is playing is way beyond his years and his knowledge of the saxophone repertoire is extensive as he researches composers and works methodically and comprehensively. He relishes learning and absorbs information at a rapid rate.” – Sarah Spurr, educator-arranger
Samuel was a full-time member of the nationally acclaimed Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra (PSO) – playing soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass saxophones in concerts across the Midlands in churches and parks alike. During his time with the group, PSO collaborated with award-winning saxophonists including Mick Foster and Gerard McChrystal, and performed Matthew Orlovich’s Concertino for solo alto saxophone and saxophone orchestra with Gerard McChrystal as soloist in one of the work’s first UK performances. Samuel is still closely associated with the ensemble, writing music for their 2025 concert season and performing with them on a part-time basis. During his time with the ensemble, he has toured throughout the Midlands in multiple summer and Christmas concert tours, as well as a tour to the Isle of Wight in collaboration with Wight Sax in summer 2025.
He is also an active member of the acclaimed Bauhaus Band at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, led by John Harle OBE as part of the Bauhaus Company. As a saxophonist in the band, Samuel enjoys frequent collaboration with other members of the Company – most of whom come from an electronic music background.
“It was an honour to play alongside you. The future of the saxophone is in safe hands.” – Helen Jones, Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra
Samuel has performed with the Royal Marine Band Service, the RAF Central Band and the RAF Squadronaires, and later in a masterclass with Andy Braet, saxophonist with the RAF Regiment Band.
He has also collaborated with, and been mentored by, many industry-leading saxophonists including John Harle OBE, Naomi Sullivan, Alastair Penman, Valentine Michaud, Richard Ingham, Emily Pecararo, Chris Gumbley and James Rae.
Ensembles
Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone & Bass Saxophones
Conducted by Tony Rifugiato
Soprano & Alto Saxophones
Conducted by John Harle OBE, led by Lydia Kenny
Soprano, Alto & Bass Saxophones
Conducted by Christian Forshaw, Alastair Penman, Mick Foster, Richard Benjafield & Paul Stevens
Guildhall Symphonic Wind Orchestra – Soprano, Alto & Baritone Saxophones – led by Fraser MacAulay & Beth Randall
Street Orchestra Live – Guest Saxophonist – led by Jess Hoskins
Leicestershire Schools Wind Orchestra – Principal Saxophonist & Guest Conductor – led by Sam Goldsworthy
Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra – Guest Saxophonist – led by Mike Shaw
Concert Engagments
De Montfort Hall, Leicester
Rugby School Chapel, Rugby
Selby Abbey, Yorkshire
Silk Street Music Hall, Barbican, London
Michaelhouse, Greater St Mary’s, Cambridge
St Mark’s Church, Bilton
St Andrew’s Church, Chesterton
St Catherine’s Church, Burbage
St Mary Magdalene’s, Cottingham
St Andrew’s Church, Rugby
Ely Cathedral, Ely
Milton Court Concert Hall, Barbican, London
Holy Trinity Church, Leicester
St Hugh’s Church, Market Harbrough
Newport Minster, Isle of Wight
Bembridge Hall, Isle of Wight
St Helen’s Church, Sibbertoft
Desborough Library, Northamptonshire
St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Harrington
Barn Hill Trinity Methodist Church, Stamford
Launch concert of What Shapes A Soul?: A Spiritual Celebration (featuring pianist Jo Foote) – Selby Abbey, Yorkshire
Saxophony: A Musical Celebration – St Mark’s Church, Bilton, Rugby
UK Premiere of Steven Banks’ Come As You Are (featuring pianist Jo Foote) – Rugby School Chapel, Rugby
Saxophone Soloist with the Leicestershire Schools Wind Orchestra (under Sam Goldsworthy) – De Montfort Hall, Leicester
Two-time Finalist – Bardi Young Musician Competition – 2023 & 2024