This event is free to the community!
Join us at the Steamboat Art Museum for a performance from Valentin Kovalev as a part of our 2026 Intersections: Music at the Museum series presented by Strings Music Festival and the Steamboat Art Museum. Doors open at 5:30pm; music begins at 6:00pm, followed by a Q&A with the artists at 6:45pm. These free events are open to music lovers of all ages!
Classical saxophonist Valentin Kovalev is redefining the voice of the saxophone for the 21st century. His commanding performances, innovative programming, and powerful digital presence are elevating the instrument on the world’s most prestigious stages.
This mission was brought to the forefront with his victory at the 2022 Naumburg Foundation International Saxophone Competition, which culminated in a sold-out debut recital at Carnegie Hall. The 2023 performance featured the world premiere of a new work by Grammy Award-winning composer Steven Mackey, solidifying Valentin’s reputation as a trailblazer.
Valentin’s journey from Siberia to the world stage—with studies in Moscow, the Paris Conservatory, and the University of Michigan—is a testament to his singular vision. His growing list of accolades includes winning the Concert Artists Guild (CAG) Competition and its Audience Award, joining the roster of Astral Artists as a National Competition Winner, and receiving significant awards from the Fondation pour la Vocation (France), the Rostropovich Foundation (Russia), and the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia.