FOCM Artist Insights

Interview Guest:

  • Valentin Kovalev (saxophone)

In discussion with FOCM Board President Daniel Kreeger and Alexander Fiterstein, FOCM’s Artistic Co-Director, in advance of his January 2026 concert.

Part 2: Comparing The Saxophone's Evolution To Modern Inventions

Click on the videos below to watch excerpts from the interview.

Part 1: Performing In Miami And At Higher Altitudes

Part 4: Playing Different Saxophones And Transcriptions

Part 7: Argentinian Composer Astor Piazzolla And Learning To Tango With His Wife

Part 5: The Journey From Jazz To Classical To The Paris Conservatory

Part 8: Playing Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue

Part 3: Transcribing For Saxophone And Playing Gershwin For USA's 250th Anniversary

Part 6: On Improvisation & Performing With Pianist Yoni Levyatov

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FOCM Artist Insights: Drew Petersen