Eastman Saxophone Project

The Eastman Saxophone Project (ESP) strives to promote the popularity of the saxophone through innovative programing and versatile performances, thereby providing an exciting and invigorating concert experience for a diverse audience.

ESP’s repertoire spans a wide spectrum of musical genres, with the vast majority of works arranged by ensemble members. Each program is presented from memory and without a conductor, showcasing artistry, creativity, and spontaneous musical communication among the performers. ESP also steadily contributes to the expansion of saxophone ensemble repertoire by collaborating with composers, who have included Jennifer Bellor, Steven Bryant, Ted Goldman, Adam Gorb, John Mackey, and Jon Russell.

Since their founding in 2010, the Eastman Saxophone Project has quickly become one of the most recognized saxophone ensembles in the world. They made their New York debut at Steinway Hall in 2011, were the featured ensemble at the recent North American Saxophone Alliance Conference, and have appeared on National Public Radio through WXXI’s Backstage Pass. In addition to multiple outreach concerts, ESP performs two full-length productions a year in Rochester, New York. The ensemble will also make their Kennedy Center debut in 2015. Archived performances of ESP are shared through the EastmanSaxProject channel on YouTube.

The Eastman Saxophone Project is directed by Chien-Kwan Lin and is comprised of his studio at the Eastman School of Music. Jonathan Wintringham serves as the ensemble’s Assistant Director and chief arranger. ESP is a Conn-Selmer Artistic Ensemble and endorses Selmer (Paris) saxophones.