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In May and June, University of Colorado Boulder Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens�� represented our College of Music through a series of performances, master classes and artistic collaborations in Japan and China.

The centerpiece of the tour was “American Voices with Japanese Friends,” a concert presented by Kajimoto, one of Japan’s leading artist management companies, at Tokyo’s renowned Suntory Hall (Blue Rose). Featuring a collaborative ensemble of American and Japanese artists, the event marked the first time a recital presented by American saxophonists had been featured at Suntory Hall. Mertens performed alongside American saxophone colleagues Stephen Page (University of Texas at Austin), Shawna Pennock (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and Sarah Hetrick (University of Arkansas) as well as Japanese artists Masato Kumoi, Marie Kikuchi, Misuzu Kobayashi, Rui Ozawa, AKI Matsumoto and internationally acclaimed saxophonist Kenta Saito who was a guest artist at 91��ý in 2024.

“For me, this concert was deeply personal,” says Mertens. “It was my first return to Japan since moving back to the United States seven years ago. Sharing the stage with mentors, colleagues and friends who shaped my artistic life while introducing them to my American collaborators was incredibly meaningful.” The concert also highlighted Mertens’ ongoing advocacy for Japanese saxophone music including works by Japanese composer Nobuhito Sato that will appear on Mertens’ forthcoming debut album.��

While in Tokyo, Mertens returned to Kunitachi College of Music—where he previously studied through the Japanese government’s MEXT Research Student Program—to give a master class for undergraduate saxophone students.��

Following the activities in Japan, Mertens traveled to China for a weeklong solo teaching tour. He gave lessons and master classes at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, the China Conservatory of Music and the Hangzhou Conservatory of Music.

“This trip reinforced my belief that music is ultimately about people,” says Mertens. “The friendships and collaborations I developed during my years in Japan continue to shape my life and work today. Years may pass, countries may separate us and languages may differ, but the relationships formed through music have a remarkable way of enduring. In a world that can often feel increasingly disconnected, I am grateful for the opportunity to strengthen old friendships and begin new ones through a shared love of music.”

Support for the Japan portion of the tour was provided in part through a CHA Small Grant from the University of Colorado Boulder.

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