Biography

Acclaimed for performances that blend lyrical depth, virtuosic command, and a deep connection to classical tradition, Indian-American saxophonist Andrew Harrison brings the instrument into the expressive lineage of the great violin and cello soloists. Praised for “electric performances of stunning expression” (Classical Sonoma) and playing that is “high voltage” and “brimming with lyricism” (New York Concert Review), Harrison’s artistry reveals the saxophone as a voice of warmth, nuance, and emotional immediacy.

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"a magician showing off his tricks."

- Austin American Statesman

Described as “a magician showing off his tricks” (Austin American-Statesman), Harrison combines technical brilliance with interpretive depth to create performances that are at once virtuosic and profoundly human. He has introduced audiences worldwide to both new and rediscovered repertoire, commissioning and premiering works by composers including Jules Pegram, Giovanni Santos, Viet Cuong, and Nina Shekhar, among many others.

Harrison’s “spectacular” tone (LA Opus), noted for its “broad and rich” sound (The Instrumentalist), has earned him distinctions including The American Prize in Music, the LMC Frances Walton Competition, and the U.S. “Pershing’s Own” Concerto Competition. As a concerto soloist, he has appeared with the Santa Rosa Symphony, Chandler Symphony, Sonoma County Philharmonic, South Valley Symphony, the Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, and numerous college and university wind orchestras across the United States.

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"a heartfelt, technically inspiring and energized performance. Often when one sees the saxophone, it implies a blues, jazzy, pop tune tonal quality. Mr. Harrison imbued both instruments with colors and an extended emotional range foreign to jazz or blues."

- Classical Sonoma

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A passionate chamber musician, Harrison is the co-founding artist of Duo HaLo with pianist Jason Lo. The duo has toured extensively, presenting programs known for color, clarity, and emotional range. Their album Imaginary Folksongs (Azure Sky Records) explores how the saxophone can capture the vocal traditions and storytelling spirit at the heart of classical music—blending the intimacy of song with the spontaneity of chamber dialogue.

Harrison’s expanding discography also includes the solo album In the City with pianist Clare Longendyke, featuring premiere recordings of works composed specifically for him. The project highlights Harrison’s commitment to cultivating new repertoire that speaks with a distinctive voice while deepening the saxophone’s place within classical concert life.

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Equally devoted to education, Harrison mentors young artists in discovering their individual voices and crafting meaningful professional paths. He serves as Professor of Classical Saxophone at Sonoma State University, with previous appointments at San Diego State University, Mt. San Antonio College, Cerritos College, the French Conservatory of Music, and the Colburn School. A sought-after clinician, he has presented masterclasses at USC, New England Conservatory, Southern Illinois University, Webster University, and others.

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"High Voltage" & "Brimming with Lyricism"

New York Concert Review​

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Harrison holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the USC Thornton School of Music and a Master’s Degree from the UT Austin Butler School of Music. He performs exclusively on Eastman Winds Saxophones and is an endorsing artist for Key Leaves Saxophone Accessories.