Biography
Manu Brazo is an innovative musician who is redefining the concept of classical music in the 21st century. He has been featured as one of the young talents of Spanish classical music in Melómano magazine, the most prestigious classical music publication in Spain. As one of the most influential names around the saxophone on social media, his videos have garnered more than 4 million views, captivating audiences worldwide.
Brazo’s unique sound, sensibility, and virtuosity have made him a sought-after performer, ranging from opening for Sir Cliff Richard and for the Downton Abbey TV series official concert, to solo performances in some of the world’s most prestigious music halls. He has performed at Philarmonie Berlin, the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House, St Martin in the Fields, the Presidential Hall CSO ADA Ankara in Turkey, and the 2018 Proms alongside the Britten-Pears Orchestra under the baton of Marin Alsop. Recently, Manu received the Audience Award at the Prince’s Prize of the Musicians Company.
Brazo’s performances have been praised by critics, including Classic FM, where his first performance was rated as “amazing and 100% colossal.” He has been a guest on BBC Radio 3 In Tune on multiple occasions since he was named BBC’s Introducing Artist of 2018. Manu is an ambassador for Selmer Paris Saxophones, BAM Cases, Légére and Boox.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Manu recorded his first EP for solo saxophone: “SOLO DIALOGUE,” which was released in June 2020. It was showcased on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, and Scala Radio. In September, he released his debut album, “FOLK-LORE,” with pianist Pepe Fernandez. The album mixes classical and popular music, featuring airs of flamenco and improvisations in a jazz-like style, breaking the boundaries between genres. Spanish folk music is represented by the popular tunes that the poet Federico Garcia Lorca compiled, which Manu and Pepe have adapted and rearranged to the sound of the saxophone and piano, with variations that range from baroque inspiration to that of the music of the twentieth century.Manu has also been active in entrepreneurship and speaking engagements. He has been a guest lecturer at Greenwich University, where he spoke about entrepreneurship, and a guest speaker at the Royal College of Music, where he shared his experience with social media.
Born in Seville, Manu started playing the saxophone at the age of 9. He studied in Spain before being accepted at the Royal College of Music, where he graduated with a Master in Performance and Artist Diploma with Distinction and won numerous awards. As a young musician, Manu has received support from Making Music (PDGYA), The Musicians Company, The Tillet Trust, Drake Calleja Trust, Concordia Foundation, and Talent Unlimited.
