2023 Award Winner: Valentin Kovalev, Saxophone

Saxophonist, composer, educator, and content creator Valentin Kovalev is an ebullient and highly eclectic performer whose unique style was developed following studies in Russia, France, and the United States. Hailing from Siberia, he strives to demonstrate how passion and perseverance can transcend geographical boundaries, using his music to inspire and empower others in the pursuit of their dreams. His work is driven by his passion for fostering connections, offering support to Ukrainian saxophonists, and amplifying marginalized voices in the classical music world.

Mr. Kovalev is the winner of several international competitions, including the Walter W. Naumburg Saxophone Competition, Manhattan International Music Competition (US), MTNA Young Artist Woodwind Competition (US), Classic Winds Competition (Israel), AndorraSaxFest (Andorra), Anches Simples de Toulouse (France), EkaterinburgSaxFest (Russia), and GoldenSax (Ukraine). He is also the recipient of significant awards from foundations in France, where he performed in a live-broadcast concert on the radio station “France Musique.”

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. Mr. Kovalev is an Henri Selmer Paris Artist, and is represented by Astral Artists of Philadelphia.

In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Mr. Kovalev organized a benefit concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which raised over $17,000. The proceeds 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.