Ismael ARROYO BLAZQUEZ

Ismael Arroyo, saxophonist from Extremadura born in Madrid, is regarded as one of the most remarkable young saxophonists in the world (Jesús Torres, National Music Prize 2012).

He redefines the codes of 21st-century classical music, combining virtuosity, sensitivity, and innovation.

His academic journey includes studies with top masters: at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Castilla y León with Pablo Sánchez-Escariche and Ángel Soria, at UdK – Universität der Künste Berlin with the Artemis Quartett, and at ESMUC Barcelona with Mariano García.

This solid foundation allows him to develop a refined technique and a deep mastery of classical and contemporary repertoire.

Ismael has performed as a soloist with prestigious ensembles such as the Banda Federal de Extremadura, COSCyL String Orchestra, and several symphony orchestras in the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz.

He has also collaborated with the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya (OBC), the Freixenet Orchestra, and participated in major festivals such as Mixtur (Barcelona), Ensems (Valencia), and the Encuentro de Música y Academia (Santander).

Internationally, he performs in iconic venues including the Berliner Philharmonie (Germany), Croatian National Theatre (Croatia), Musikteatret Holstebro (Denmark), Gdańsk Music Academy (Poland), as well as the major Spanish halls: Fundación Juan March, CentroCentro Palacio de Cibeles (Madrid), Auditori (Barcelona), Lienzo Norte (Ávila), Sala Luis Galve (Zaragoza), Palacio de Festivales (Cantabria), and the Teatro de la Maestranza (Seville).

He has refined his art under renowned masters such as Vincent David, Miha Rogina, Valentine Michaud, Alexandre Doisy, Marie-Bernadette Charrier, Antonio García Jorge, and Marcus Weiss.

As a chamber musician, he is a founding member of the Synthèse Quartet for over seven years, receiving guidance from Artemis Quartett members Vineta Sareika, Gregor Sigl, Eckart Runge, and other musicians including Johanna Staemmler (Armida Quartett), Brenno Ambrosini, Marc Oliú, Tim Vogler (Vogler Quartett), Avri Levitan, and Angelika Merkle.

Winner of over 30 national and international prizes, Ismael notably received:

➤ 1st Prize at the Leopold Bellan International Competition (Paris)

 
➤ 1st Prize at the Alice Samter Chamber Music Competition (Berlin)

 
➤ 1st Prize at the Liceu Sax Festival (Barcelona)

 
➤ 1st Prize at the Cambra Romànica International Competition (Andorra)

 
➤ 1st Prize at the Juventudes Musicales de España Competition,
as well as prestigious distinctions at the MEDICI International Music Competition, Pedro Bote, Sax Point, and the Gran Canaria International Competition.

Highly involved in contemporary creation, Ismael has commissioned and premiered several new works, including:

➤ Silentium Amoris for soprano saxophone and piano (Jesús Torres)

 
➤ Don’t You Know Yet? It Is Your Light That Lights the World for saxophone quartet (Jorge Grundman)

 
➤ Sonata for alto saxophone and piano, Op. 61 (David Cantalejo)

A recognized artist, he has received prestigious scholarships from the YEHUDI MENUHIN Live Music Now, Ad Infinitum, Hindemith, and AIE Foundations.

His artistic activity is regularly broadcast on Radio Televisión Española (RTVE), and he is invited to numerous music cycles such as Música Actual, Hojas de Álbum, Alternativas de Cámara, Siempre Jóvenes, and Creando Futuros.