Artra presents Joe Lulloff, saxophonist

Saxophone Soloist

Saxophonist Joseph Lulloff is widely recognized as one of the most sought after performance artists and clinicians of today. Acclaimed internationally for his innovative style and unparalleled virtuosity, Mr. Lulloff has been described by colleague Branford Marsalis as "a marvelous musician" whose "knowledge of music, along with his ability to embrace music normally considered outside the sphere makes him a joy to listen to." Mr. Lulloff performs regularly as a soloist in many of the most prestigious concert venues throughout the United States, Europe, South America, and Japan, as well as with leading symphony orchestras in America and abroad.

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Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mr. Lulloff began his studies in saxophone at age 7. He received his Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from Michigan State University and pursued a career as a professor of saxophone at the University of Illinois and eventually Michigan State University, during which time he mentored many aspiring saxophonists and led several large jazz ensembles. A recipient of numerous awards for solo performance, including the Concert Artists Guild Award in 1985 (which included his debut at Carnegie Hall, after which the New York Times hailed his expertise and musicality), the Pro Musicus International Music Award (1987) and the 1995 Teacher/Scholar Award from Michigan State University, Mr. Lulloff has been featured at World Saxophone Congresses in Tokyo, Japan; Valencia, Spain; Nuremburg, Germany; Montreal, Canada, and Chicago. Critics regarded his three concert tours of Japan with pianist/composer Philip Strange as unqualified successes. As a highly sought after artist-clinician for Yamaha, Mr. Lulloff regularly shares his artistic insights at major universities and conservatories throughout the United States, Canada, South America and Japan. In addition to an active solo career, Mr. Lulloff serves as principal saxophonist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Flint Symphony Orchestra.

 

Equally adept with both classical and jazz repertoire, Mr. Lulloff is featured both as a soloist and ensemble member in numerous recordings on the Arabesque, RCA, Albany, AUR, Veriatza, and Channel Classics labels. His premiere solo recording with pianist Philip Hosford, titled Interplay, features classical and contemporary saxophone works by Poulenc, Vaughan-Williams, Desenclos, Cooper and Ruggiero.

Currently a member of the music faculty at Michigan State University as Professor of Saxophone Performance , Mr. Lulloff's success as one of the nation's leading saxophone instructors is evidenced by the prolific careers of his students who have performed with major symphony orchestras and the premiere bands of the U.S. Military and secured teaching and performance positions throughout the United States. 

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. “… considerable virtuosity as soloist.” -- The New York Times, June 14, 2005

 

“Joseph Lulloff proved what a stupendous protagonist the instrument can be…”  -- The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 14, 2005

 

“… a knockout performance by Joseph Lulloff…” -- LA Weekly, June 17, 2005

 

“… [Lulloff] plays brilliantly with velvety-smooth tone and spectacular technique. “Considered Opinions,” WCLV Radio, May 20, 2005