Jean-François GUAY

Canadian saxophonist Jean-François Guay studied at McGill University, Université Laval, and the Conservatoire National de Région de Bordeaux, refining his artistry under prestigious masters such as Jean-Marie Londeix, Rémi Ménard, and Abe Kestenberg.

A highly sought-after performer and renowned educator, he has enriched the saxophone repertoire through numerous collaborations with leading composers, including Christian Lauba, François Rossé, Éric Champagne, Denis Dion, Robert Lemay, Bruce Mather, Laurie Radford, and Alain Perron. Many works have been dedicated to him, confirming his pivotal role in contemporary creation.

He has recorded five albums under Fidelio Audio, Oratorio, and SNE, all praised by Canadian critics. His career has taken him to national and international stages, including:

➤ Concerts and masterclasses in Mexico, Brazil, Canada, USA, France, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, and Thailand

  
➤ Radio-Canada broadcasts focused on contemporary music

  
➤ Numerous collaborations with the Nelligan Saxophone Quartet in concerts and recordings

In 2000, he presided over the XII World Saxophone Congress in Montreal and served on the International Saxophone Committee (CIS), strengthening his influence in the global saxophone scene.

A performer dedicated to major works

Specializing in contemporary music, Jean-François Guay also performs the classical repertoire regularly with prestigious orchestras such as:

➤ Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM)

  
➤ Orchestre Métropolitain

  
➤ National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa)

  
➤ Longueuil Symphony Orchestra

He has performed under renowned conductors including Kent Nagano, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Jacques Lacombe, and Pinchas Zukerman.

Educator and ambassador

Recipient of prestigious grants from the Quebec Arts and Letters Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Fond Musicaction, and SOCAN Foundation, Jean-François Guay is one of Canada’s most influential classical saxophonists.

He currently serves as:

➤ Saxophone professor at Cégep Marie-Victorin and the Université de Montréal

  
➤ Founder and co-director of the International Saxophone Workshop at Cégep Marie-Victorin, alongside Jean-Michel Goury

  
➤ Founding president of the Saxophonists Association of Quebec

After seven years teaching saxophone and chamber music at the Domaine Forget Music Camp, he continues his pedagogical commitment nationally and internationally. For over 15 years, he has collaborated with Yamaha Canada as an artist/clinician and is now a D’Addario artist.

Testimonials

“Jean-François Guay is a remarkable saxophonist, capable of meeting the highest musical demands with extreme musicality and exemplary determination. He is an authentic artist, deeply motivated…” 

Jean-Marie Londeix, International Soloist

“Guay proves that he is one of Canada’s finest performers of contemporary music.” 

Whole Note Magazine