B i o g r a p h y
Born in Galicia on the north west of Spain, Jose Bernardez (BMus, PGDip, MA) began to study saxophone at a young age at the Galician High School of Music (EAEM) and at the Conservatorio Superior de Vigo. In the early 2000´s he decided to move to Madrid to continue his studies with the renowned saxophone master Andres Gomis at Madrid Conservatorie and at the Conservatorio Superior de Mallorca, studies that he will finish in London with a Masters Degree from the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, where he graduated with honors in 2010.
Early in his career Jose enjoyed the encouragement and support of great masters such as Claude Delangle, Andres Gomis Mora, Marie Bernadette Charrier, Rodrigo Vila, Richard Addison, Dave O´Higgins or Alan Barnes. He received the 2002 Hazen Intercentros Music Award (Honour Mention), the 2006 Art Jove Chamber Music Award and the prestigious 2006 Montserrat Alavedra Performance Award.
In technique and sensibility, Jose Bernardez harkens back to the Golden Age of the 20th century, whilst possessing the passion and energy of the 21st. Praised by critics as a performer of great depth, virtuosity and technical brilliance, he has appeared throughout the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Switzerland; performing as a soloist and on Quartet, Ensemble, Big Band or Orchestral settings.
Jose Bernardez has appeared regularly in London Shows and with orchestras such as LPO, London Contemporany Orchestra, Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, Azalea Ensemble, Manson Ensemble or London Sinfonietta, among others. He was lucky enough to collaborate with the most prominent conductors such as Sir Colin Davis, Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi, Sir Simon Rattle, Yan Pascal Tortellier or Susanna Mälkki. He has also performed at International festivals such as "Musica Riva Festival" or the "Geneve Music Festival". He is also currently teaching saxophone in London at his Saxophone Tuition Studio and in Music Schools.
