About James Houlik
Biography
James Houlik is the leading performer on his instrument in the world. His pioneering efforts on behalf of the tenor saxophone have resulted in the composition of more than one hundred new concert works for the instrument, and important performances around the world. From the East Room of the White House, to solo appearances with orchestras in London, Prague, Istanbul, Berlin, Chicago, Phoenix, and New York, to recitals in the music capitals of the world, James Houlik has redefined the role of the tenor saxophone.
He has worked closely with many composers to foster the development of a repertoire for his previously neglected instrument. Among the more than 100 pieces composed for are concerti by Robert Ward, Morton Gould, David Ott, Sherwood Shaffer, Eric Ewazen, Walter S. Hartley, Russell Peck, Paul Harvey, Vache Sharafran, as well as dozens with band, piano, and in chamber settings.
Through the years, James Houlik has appeared in such major venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Town Hall in Toronto, The Smithsonian Institution, and London’s Barbican. He regularly visits university campuses throughout the United States as a performer and as a teacher of clinics and master classes.
His concerto performances have included those with the American Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Symphony, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Phoenix Symphony, the West Virginia Symphony, the San Remo Orchestra (Italy), the Istanbul Philharmonic, the North Carolina Symphony, the Chamber Orchestra of Milan, the New Art Philharmonic of Pretoria, South Africa, the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, the United States Navy Band, to mention a few.
With a combination of landmark performances and tireless efforts to build a repertoire for his instrument, Houlik has taken the tenor saxophone to unimagined heights. Moreover, audiences and critics alike have celebrated the remarkable artistic achievements which have placed James Houlik among the leading saxophonists of our time: “Houlik is a genuinely brilliant player” -New York Magazine.
James Houlik is Artist Lecturer in Saxophone at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He is a Yamaha artist, performing on the Yamaha Custom EX tenor saxophone, a James Houlik mouthpiece, and D’Addario Reserve reeds.
“The world’s great saxophone virtuoso.”
“A performance that might exhaust one’s supply of superlatives.”
“With his genial commentary and virtuoso performing talents, Mr. Houlik could probably convince any doubter that the saxophone deserves a prominent place in any concertgoer’s heart.”
“James Houlik gave a brilliant performance. His deep, rich, tone was combined with musical vigor and virtuosity.”
“Houlik is a genuinely brilliant player.”
“Houlik played fabulously.”
“Saxophonist Sparkles…Formidable Virtuosity and a penetrating and full tone.”
“Tenor Saxophonist James Houlik proved to be a brilliant instrumentalist, producing rivers of big rich sound.”
“James Houlik played with great sweetness, a lyrical outpouring of melody.”
“American Saxophonist and Prague Radio Orchestra… Houlik had an extremely “velvety” and round tone, and he was impressive for his superb virtuosity… supreme technique and arched cantilenas.”
“James Houlik gave a brilliant recital … liquid, golden tone and superb virtuosity.”
“Sax player high point of symphony concert…dazzled the audience with his fluid fingerwork and velvet tone.”
Media
In the spirit of Yo Yo Ma's "Songs of Comfort" initiative, composer-pianist Andrea Padova and saxophonist James Houlik perform "Prayer" from VOICES: Ballads & Prayers recorded on the Limen label.
Press Images
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