Xavier Perez

Raised in the Hialeah, Florida area to Cuban parents, Xavier represents two distinct cultures in his musical compositions and life. Although he has chosen jazz music as his vehicle for self-expression, elements of his Cuban Folkloric and American jazz upbringing also make his multi-faceted musical personality. While in college he studied composition under Ron Miller and won collegiate soloist of the year from Downbeat magazine. Upon graduation with honors he has done national tours with Maynard Ferguson and Diane Schure among others. He has also been chosen to perform his original compositions as a part of Kennedy Center jazz in Washington DC. Recently Xavier was the only U.S representative selected to perform in the final elimination round The International Saxophone competition where he won 2nd place out of hundreds of applicants from more than 20 countries. Within the past couple of years he has performed, recorded, or toured with Paquito Drivera, The Orchestra of The Americas, Samuel Torres, Ignacio Berroa, Papo Vasquez, as well as The United Nations Orchestra. He currently lives in New York City where he performs and explores his mutl-cultural musical personality.

Awards

Collegiate Downbeat Soloist Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead White Foundation Jazz Saxophone Competition at Montreux- 2nd place World Jazz Saxophone Competition in London- 2nd place Zankel Hall with Paquito DRivera Zankel Hall with Fred Hersch

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