You, Me, Us: A Celebration of Queer Music for Saxophone

Join saxophonist Nick May in concert as part of the I Exist Project with a performance of works by emerging and leading queer composers of our time.

It is undeniable to acknowledge the influence queerness has on contemporary music. With iconic 20th-century queer figures including Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, John Cage, Wendy Carlos, Aaron Copland, Francis Poulenc, Ethel Smith, and many others throughout the centuries, their legacies have repeatedly left an impact on audiences and history alike; inspiring present and future creatives. The I Exist Project’s mission is to promote the creation and visibility of new queer repertoire, as it is vital for the empowerment, education, and inclusion of queer artists and culture in modern music.

Heralded as “highly virtuosic” whose “artistry further imbues his performance with an unmatched sense of lyricism and expression. (Christina Ensign, Composer), saxophonist Nick May is sought after as a highly expressive, intuitive performer that “brings his personality to every performance – full of genuine joie de vivre!” (Javier Oviedo, Classical Saxophone Project) and quickly garnering attention for his compelling programs that have been described as “Incredible; bringing to life some of the best music that has ever been written.” (Maestro Hughes, Arapahoe Philharmonic).

Since his solo debut at age eighteen with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, May’s career has taken him throughout the United States, Singapore, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, appearing recurrently as a guest artist and recitalist. Additionally, May has garnered prizes at many prestigious national and international competitions with recent Carnegie Hall performances with pianist and M2 Duo partner, Maya Tuylieva, described as “two incredible musicians, who perform as one voice.” (Dave Kenney, Composer)

May has performed as a soloist and has been featured with the Arapahoe Philharmonic Orchestra, Omaha Symphony Orchestra, Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, Classical Saxophone Project, Mid America Freedom Band, Baker University Jazz Combo and Big Band, Kansas Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Orchestra, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wind Ensemble.

May has premiered works and collaborated with today’s most eminent and emerging composers including Kevin Day, Aaryn S. Ricucci-Hill, Kincaid Rabb, Rosśa Crean, Spencer Arias, Xenia St. Charles Iris Llyllyth, Jennifer Higdon, Peter Dayton, Ingrid Stölzel, Dave Kenney, Nathan Froebe, Evan Boegehold, John Kosch, Christina Ensign, David von Kampen, Suhan Tuyliyev, among others.

May released his debut album in 2019 under Albany Records – Tone Studies: the Saxophone Music of David Maslanka; is also featured on The Chamber Music of David von Kampen and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Jazz Orchestra’s album, The Good Life. Additionally, he is the founder of the I Exist Project, which aims to advocate for, bring light to, and celebrate the multifaceted aspects of queer life, culture, and artistry through collaboration with a diverse range of queer composers and performers to promote the creation and visibility of new queer repertoire.

Nick May is an endorsing artist for Légère Reeds and Vientos Bambú.