Saxophonist Valentin Kovalev and pianist Nathan Canfield perform works by Johannes Brahms and Fernande Decruck, live from the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago.
Valentin Kovalev is a passionate and dedicated classical saxophonist who is seeking to elevate the voice of saxophone in classical music. Named the winner of the most prestigious international saxophone competitions, Valentin is also the recipient of significant awards from foundations in France (Fondation pour la vocation), Russia (the Rostropovich Foundation), and the United States (Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia). His international career spans performances as a soloist across the U.S., Russia, France, Andorra, and Asia.
Nathan Canfield serves as a staff pianist at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. An eager collaborator, he cherishes frequently performing with musicians from his native Illinois and beyond, including members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute. He has also worked alongside musicians of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, as well as members of other major orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States as a rehearsal and recital pianist. Beyond performing, Canfield is also a passionate arranger and transcriber for his instrument. His latest projects include arrangements of Sergei Rachmaninov’s lesser-known works, as well as a program of “Golden Age” piano duo transcriptions set for performance in 2025. Canfield is an alumnus of Northwestern University, completing a Master of Music degree under the guidance of James Giles.
