Jacob Kopcienski will present a recital of works for solo saxophone and saxophone with electronics which explore the concepts of narrative, perception, and intelligibility. Many of these compositions employ references to speech, vocalization or “story-telling”, often requiring the saxophonist to sing, speak, or mimic vocal qualities. Jacob’s interest in these musical elements began during his 2014-2015 Harriet Hale Woolley Fellowship while studying in Paris, France. There he researched “normal” and “extended vocal” techniques in relation to the saxophone’s broad technical capabilities. He is currently exploring these techniques in both acoustic and electronic medium to expand the number of possibilities available for personal expression in “composed” and improvised performance. In addition to his own personal work, Jacob is currently working with a number of composers to develop idiomatic compositional languages for these musical elements and instrumental techniques.

Previously, Jacob has performed numerous concerts as a soloist, chamber or ensemble musician throughout the United States, France, Italy, Malaysia, and Australia. Striving to advocate for the music of living composers, he has worked with established and emerging composers including Vinko Globokar, François Rossé, Julien Malaussena, Ravi Kittappa, Molly Joyce, Peter Wilson, and Jamie Leigh Sampson. Jacob has also enjoyed collaborations with visual and performance artists including Antone Konst and Ferial Boushaki. Jacob is currently dual enrolled in the Saxophone Performance and Musicology programs at West Virginia University where he studies saxophone with Michael Ibrahim. He has previously studied saxophone with Jean-Michel Goury at the Conservatoire à Rayonnment Regional de Boulogne Billancourt and John Sampen at Bowling Green State University.