About

Hailed as a “tour de force of saxophone playing” and praised for “tone like that of a songbird”, British saxophonist Samuel Beddard is a versatile and knowledgeable performer, arranger, and educator. Drawing upon a wealth of practical and theoretical expertise, Samuel strives to express his unique passion for musical story-telling across both soloistic and collaborative settings.

With over a decade of musical experience, nurtured under the tutelage of leading saxophonists Christian Forshaw, Gerard McChrystal, Mick Foster and Nick Moss, Samuel has performed across the UK and Europe in a diverse array of venues and spanning a wide range of genres.

Following his soloistic debut at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall in 2024, Samuel went on to curate Saxophony, an acclaimed 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?, is currently touring across the UK at over twenty venues throughout 2025 and 2026 alongside renowned pianist Jo Foote. 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 his own arrangements.

“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

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. A keen inter-disciplinarian, Samuel has also collaborated with choreographers from the London Contemporary Dance School at The Place Theatre.

Samuel was appointed musical director of Christ Church, Waltham Cross in 2025, and subsequently manages their lunchtime concert series while also curating renowned evening recitals.

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. Beginning in 2026, Samuel has begun working as an arranger and type-setter for British composer Jenni Watson.

“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

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 with the Leicestershire Music Service, Samuel illustrates his passion for inspiring young musicians through his roles as a woodwind teacher, arranger, conductor, and stage manager as well as leading tours across Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. In 2025, he began working for the Junior Department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

samuelbeddard.co.uk

Ensembles

  • Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra (2023-)

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone & Bass Saxophones

Conducted by Tony Rifugiato

  • The Bauhaus Band (2025-)

Soprano & Alto Saxophones

Conducted by John Harle OBE, led by Lydia Kenny

  • Guildhall Saxophone Ensemble (2024-)

Soprano, Alto & Bass Saxophones

Conducted by Christian Forshaw, Alastair Penman, Mick Foster, Richard Benjafield & Paul Stevens

  • Other

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

  • As a soloist

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

  • As an ensemble member

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

  • Notable Concerts

Launch concert of What Shapes A Soul?: A Spiritual Celebration (featuring pianist Jo Foote) – Selby Abbey, Yorkshire

Saxophony: A Musical CelebrationSt 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

  • Awards

Two-time Finalist – Bardi Young Musician Competition 2023 & 2024