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.
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