SoM student named Petrichor winner
The competition received hundreds of applications from 51 countries
College of Visual and Performing Arts
SUMMARY: Junior saxophone performance major, Haven Kahn, is the grand prize winner of the Petrichor International Music Competition, in the under 21 category for his performance of Jacques Ibert’s "Concertino da Camera."
HARRISONBURG, VA – The James Madison University School of Music announced today that junior saxophone performance major, Haven Kahn, is the grand prize winner of the Petrichor International Music Competition, in the under 21 category for his performance of Jacques Ibert’s Concertino da Camera. Kahn was one of several hundred applicants from 51 countries. The Petrichor International Music Competition is an annual performance and composition contest that invites composers, instrumentalists, singers, ensembles and orchestras from around the world to compete in several different categories. The competition is held by Petrichor Records, an independent record label specializing in contemporary classical music by living musicians with a mission for artistic diversity.
“Haven is an exceptional saxophonist, and I am proud of this incredible achievement for him,” said David Pope, professor of saxophone in the School of Music. “I was actually a member of an ensemble [Shawn Davern (MM ’19) and the Sages of Future Soul] that was only a semi-finalist in the large ensemble category, and I have always said that I want my students to achieve higher than me.”
Kahn also recently participated in the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition claiming second place in classical saxophone. Vandoren Paris is one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of woodwind reeds and mouthpieces in the world.
“I am honored to have received these awards, and it could not have been possible without my amazing friends and family, including Professor Pope. I have loved my time at JMU, and I wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else!” said Kahn.
He will soon be on his way this month to compete as a national finalist in the Music Teachers National Association Competition in Nevada.
“This is a groundbreaking accomplishment for Kahn and JMU’s School of Music. His dedication and enthusiasm for his work in music is unmatched,” said Pope.
To learn more about JMU’s School of Music and follow their latest achievements, visit https://www.jmu.edu/music/people/index.shtml or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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