Elvis Sousa plays the S15 mouthpiece (V5 Series) with V•12 reeds #3.5, the A28 mouthpiece (V5 Series) with Traditional reeds #3.5, the T20 mouthpiece (V5 Series) with Traditional reeds #3.5.
Elvis Sousa belongs to a prosperous generation of saxophonists in Portugal, having studied with professors Fernando Ramos and Henk van Twillert at the School of Music and Performing Arts of Porto; Vincent David, at the Conservatory of Versailles; and Claude Delangle, at the famous Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et danse de Paris. By this time, Elvis Sousa had won various awards in National and International Competitions, including the following, which deserve special mention:
1st prize in the category of "Chamber Music" and 2nd prize in the category of "Soloist" at the International Competition of "Chieri", Turin, Italy;
1st prize in the International Competition "Terras la Sallette", Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal;
1st prize in the International Competition "Saxoporto", Porto, Portugal;
1st prize in the National Competition "Paços Premium", Paços de Brandão, Portugal;
2nd prize in the International Competition "Leopold Bellan", Paris, France;
3rd prize in the "Dilson Florêncio" International Saxophone Competition, Brasilia, Brazil;
3rd prize in the National Competition "El Corte Inglés", Estoril, Portugal;
2nd prize in the Alto Minho International Wind Competition, Ponte de Lima, Portugal;
3rd prize in the International Saxophone Competition "Vítor Santos", Palmela, Portugal.
Elvis Sousa made his solo debut with the Madeira Classical Orchestra in the "Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra" by composer Anne Victorino d'Almeida. In addition, he also participated in several acoustic investigations at the Institute for Research and Coordination of Music and Acoustics of Paris – IRCAM.
He recently completed his Master's Degree in Music Teaching at the Catholic University of Portugal. He resides on the island of Madeira, where he performs several solo concerts in Portugal, and across Spain and Italy. In 2024 he will release his first classical music album (alto/soprano saxophone and piano) with japanese pianiste Yuko Hironaka.
Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Elvis Sousa is a renowned Portuguese saxophonist, international Yamaha and Vandoren artist. He has studied with distinguished professors at leading institutions such as the Paris Conservatory. A winner of several national and international competitions, he has performed as a soloist with orchestras and released acclaimed works. Currently, he is working on two albums – one in classical music and another in smooth jazz.
How do you feel about receiving this award?
Receiving this award is an incredible honor and a profound recognition of my dedication to music. It inspires me to continue striving for excellence, sharing my passion with audiences, and contributing to the art of saxophone performance. It’s also a moment of gratitude for everyone who has supported me on this journey.
We’d love to know more about your video submission, Caprice en Forme de Valse. Could you share some insights into your creative process, journey, and the story behind it?
My video submission, Caprice en Forme de Valse, was a project born from a deep appreciation for Paul Bonneau’s captivating composition. This piece is a beautiful blend of technical brilliance, and I wanted the visual storytelling to reflect its elegance and emotional depth.
The journey began with a careful interpretation of the music, focusing on capturing its virtuosic elements. Collaborating with a talented video production team, we chose the stunning landscapes of São Vicente, Madeira, as the backdrop. These natural settings, with their dramatic contrasts and serene beauty, perfectly mirrored the dynamic shifts and intricate charm of the piece.
The creative process was both challenging and rewarding. I aimed to maintain the technical precision required for this demanding work while bringing out its nuanced character. The goal was to create a performance that felt alive—connecting the viewer not only to the music but also to the breathtaking environment in which it was set.
Ultimately, the video is a celebration of music, nature, and artistry, and I am thrilled it resonated with both the audience and the judges.