Introduction

Classical saxophonist Valentin Kovalev is one of the leaders of his generation in developing the musical and technical possibilities of the saxophone. Valentin is the first Russian saxophonist who entered the prestigious Paris Conservatory as an undergraduate and the first Russian saxophonist to be admitted to the historic graduate program at the University of Michigan, which possesses the oldest and most celebrated saxophone program in the United States.

In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Mr. Kovalev organized a Benefit Concert in Ann Arbor, MI which raised over $17,000. This financial help went to purchase life-saving medical backpacks shipped to Ukraine through RAZOM and to resettle Ukrainian refugees arriving in Michigan through the Jewish Family Service of Washtenaw County.

Recipient of a Career Advancement Award 2023 from the Musical Fund Society in Philadelphia, Valentin won prizes at many international competitions, including:

Walter W. Naumburg Foundation's International Saxophone Competition – First Prize (USA, 2022);

Manhattan International Music Competition – First Great Award Winner (USA, 2022);

MTNA Young Artist Woodwind Competition — National Winner (USA, 2021);

National Saxophone Museum Creativity Competition — Second Prize (USA, 2021);

University of Michigan Concerto Competition — Graduate Winner (USA, 2021);

Eugene Bossart Prize Winner (USA, 2021);

Online Saxiana International Competition — Unanimous First Prize (2021);

Classic Winds Competition — Second Prize (Israel, Tel Aviv, 2020);

AndorraSaxFest competition — First Prize (2019);

Anches simples de Toulouse competition — First Prize (2019);

EkaterinburgSaxFest — Grand-Prix (Russia, 2018).

Valentin Kovalev has performed at Carnegie Hall, soloed with many prestigious orchestras in his native Russia and the US, toured ten cities in China, and performed in several countries in Europe through the Rostropovich Foundation.

As a soloist, he has performed with major orchestras around the world, such as the “New Russia” Orchestra (chief conductor Yuri Bashmet), the Orchestra of Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center, the Tchaikovsky Big Symphony Orchestra (chief conductor Vladimir Fedoseev), the Belarusian Orchestra of Folk Instruments, and Orchestre de Strasbourg. In 2019, Valentin performed in the live-broadcast concert “Génération France Musique. Le live.” on the radio “France Musique”.

Valentin received awards from several foundations in France and Russia, including the Mstislav Rostropovich Foundation, the Fondation Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet pour la vocation, Fonds de Tarrazi, Legs Edward Jabes, la Fondation L’Or du Rhin. Valentin earned two awards from The President of the Russian Federation and won a grant from the mayor of Moscow City.

Valentin began his education in Barnaul, Russia with Viktoria Fedyaj and Alexei Gotsulyak. He proceeded with his studies at the College of Gnessins in Moscow with Leonid Drutin, the College of Frederic Chopin in Moscow with Nikita Zimin, and finished his Bachelor’s degree at the Paris Conservatory with Claude Delangle. Valentin received his Master’s Degree studying with Timothy McAllister at the University of Michigan.

Valentin is represented by the Concert Artists Guild (New York) and Astral Roster in Philadelphia. He is endorsing artist of a French saxophone manufacturer “Henri Selmer Paris” and Conn-Selmer in the USA.