Saxophonist, composer, educator, and content creator Valentin Kovalev (Henri Selmer artist) is an ebullient and highly eclectic performer whose unique style was developed following studies in Russia, France, and the United States. He is the winner of several international competitions including the 2022 Naumburg Saxophone Competition, Manhattan International Music Competition (U.S.), MTNA Young Artist Woodwind Competition (U.S.), Classic Winds Competition (Israel), AndorraSaxFest (Andorra), Anches Simples de Toulouse (France), EkaterinburgSaxFest (Russia), and GoldenSax (Ukraine). In addition to performing at Carnegie Hall, Mr. Kovalev has soloed with prestigious Russian and American orchestras, toured ten Chinese cities, performed live on the radio station “France Musique,” and played in a variety of European countries (through the Rostropovich Foundation). In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, he organized a Benefit Concert in Michigan which raised over $17,000. Through RAZOM, the financial assistance helped purchase life-saving medical backpacks for Ukrainians and resettle Ukrainian refugees arriving in Michigan.
