About

With over a decade of musical experience, Samuel has performed across the UK and Europe in a diverse array of venues, spanning a wide range of genres and demonstrating adeptness on seven types of saxophone alongside flutes, clarinets and organ. 

Following his soloistic debut at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall in 2024, Samuel went on to curate Saxophony, an acclaimed debut concert showcasing his collaborations with over thirty musicians and ensembles in a unique programme premiering his own arrangements alongside those he commissioned. Samuel’s debut recital project, What Shapes A Soul?, toured across the UK at over twenty venues throughout 2025 and 2026 alongside pianist Jo Foote, and culminated in a debut album recording at the famed Hammerwood Park. 

“You’ve soothed our souls and taken us around the world at the same time… our souls have been awakened, and, perhaps, we’ve got much to contemplate” – Father Andrew Hall, vicar at St Catherine’s Church, Burbage

Showcasing a passion for pioneering new music, Samuel has premiered works by composers Steven Banks, Alastair Penman, Mick Foster, as well as Vaughan Williams Scholars André Faria Serra and Lucy Holmes. In 2026, he presented the world premiere of Steve Marshall’s Concertino for soprano saxophone and recorder orchestra. A keen inter-disciplinarian, Samuel has also collaborated with choreographers and dancers from the London Contemporary Dance School at The Place Theatre. 

“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 appointed Director of Music at Christ Church, Waltham Cross in 2025, and has since founded their lunchtime concert series championing emerging young talent alongside a programme of evening concerts from internationally renowned artists and curating the debut Christ Church Summer Music Festival in 2026. He also serves as organist for services at Christ Church and other local churches.

In recognition of his work in the local community, Samuel was appointed Chairman of the Broxbourne Arts Forum in 2026, and subsequently co-ordinates the arts programme across the borough. In autumn 2026, he will begin a residency at St Augustine’s Church, Broxbourne, co-directing their Respite services and founding their organ scholarship scheme in conjunction with local schools.

As an arranger, Samuel has written for international soloist Jess Gillam, conductor John Harle, the Guildhall Saxophone Ensemble, Trinity Laban Saxophone Choir, Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra, Benslow Saxophone Course, the Bauhaus Band, and the Leicestershire Schools Music Service. His works have been performed across the UK at prestigious venues including Ely Cathedral, Milton Court Concert Hall and the Royal Naval Chapel. He also works as an arranger and type-setter for British composer Jenni Watson.

Samuel has recently stepped into the world of composition, premiering his first work for solo saxophone in Castello Malatestiano, Longiano, Italy in August 2026 as part of the San Marino New Music Project.

“Just so cool” – Jess Gillam, international soloist and presenter, on Samuel’s arrangement of RANT! commissioned by John Harle for Jess and the Guildhall Saxophone Ensemble

Equally at ease in an ensemble setting, Samuel plays with the nationally acclaimed Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra and has enjoyed collaborations with leading saxophonists such as Gerard McChrystal and Mick Foster, alongside regular touring across the Midlands, and individual tours to Manchester and the Isle of Wight in collaboration with Saxophone Orchestra Manchester and Wight Sax respectively. He has performed with ensembles including the Guildhall Saxophone Orchestra, the Bauhaus Band, Street Orchestra Live, the Royal Marine Band Service, and the RAF Squadronaires.

“It was an honour to play alongside you. The future of the saxophone is in safe hands.” – Helen Jones, Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra

As an educator, Samuel has worked with the Leicestershire Music Service as a woodwind teacher, arranger, conductor, and stage manager as well as leading tours across Europe. In 2025, he began working for the Junior Department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

samuelbeddard.co.uk