Soprano: Leah Waddington
Alto: Matthew Hodson
Tenor: Zack Smith
Baritone: Jasmine Brown

Akiko was formed in 2020, at the Royal Northern College of Music. Under the current tutelage of Robert Buckland (Apollo Quartet), the quartet represents the modern saxophone quartet by pushing the boundaries of the standard repertoire. Its repertoire ranges from the classical core repertoire and jazz to the contemporary pieces.

The quartet reached the finals of the Fewkes Wind Chamber Music Prize in March of 2022. Shortly after, they gave the UK premiere of Sally Beamish’s ‘Opus California’. The composer, who was in the audience, said that Akiko was the perfect match with the tonal, lyrical, and reflective qualities of her piece.

The quartet has participated in masterclasses with teachers such as Timothy McAllister (Prism Quartet), and Amy Dickson, as well as featuring as Spotlight Artists at the Huddersfield Saxophone Day 2022.

The members of Akiko have regular engagements across the North-West of England. They each aim to bring awareness of the classical saxophone tradition. With many bespoke arrangements by Jasmine Brown, Akiko ensure a varied and progressive repertoire in each performance.