Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra

Phoenix is a nationally acclaimed, forward thinking saxophone orchestra based in Market Harborough. Our aim is to provide adults with an opportunity to have fun playing the saxophone together, and also to advance the art of music through rehearsal and performance of a varied repertoire.

Our current members play seven different types of saxophone, from the tiny sopranino through the more commonly-seen soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, to the enormous bass and contrabass sax.

We play a wide variety of music, from traditional folk songs, modern pop and rock, to film music, jazz and classical works, and are led by a highly experienced Musical Director, Tony Rifugiato.

We are a friendly and supportive bunch, and we’re always keen to welcome new members.

To join, you need to be aged 18 or over, play the saxophone to a minimum grade 5 standard and be able to read music. You don’t need to have actually passed any exams but, to maintain our high musical standards, we do ask that you play to a certain level.

If you’re not sure, then please just give us a call. Or why not come along and see if it’s for you? You get your first two rehearsals for free with no commitment, so you really can ‘try before you buy’!

There are no auditions.

We rehearse every other Sunday morning, from 10am to 12 noon, at the Langton Community Hall in Church Langton, and we regularly perform at events and concerts in the Leicestershire area, and further afield.

We are delighted to have international performing saxophonist Gerard McChystal as our patron, and to be sponsored by leading music publisher Saxtet Publications, and Wiseman London.

Phoenix was nominated for a national award by the Royal Philharmonic Society in 2021 and has a high public profile, having been featured on national radio, regional and local TV and radio, and in local and specialist media, both print and online.