Quinsin Nachoff is a New York-based saxophonist and composer celebrated for his innovative blend of jazz and classical traditions. His work spans boundary-pushing albums, interdisciplinary collaborations, and critically acclaimed compositions that explore the dynamic relationship between structure and improvisation.
Notable highlights include his JUNO-nominated group Flux, featuring alto saxophonist David Binney, pianist Matt Mitchell, and drummers Kenny Wollesen and Nate Wood. Their second release, Path of Totality (Whirlwind Recordings), was praised by DownBeat as “a stunning, deep dive of an album” and earned 4.5 stars in their Year’s Top Rated Albums list. Additional accomplishments include the saxophone concerto Winding Tessellations with contemporary chamber group Turning Point Ensemble and his 2018 commission for the Molinari String Quartet, showcasing his seamless integration of jazz and classical traditions.
Nachoff’s 2020 release, Pivotal Arc (Whirlwind Recordings), showcased his genre-blending approach, featuring a violin concerto for Grammy-winning soloist Nathalie Bonin, a string quartet, and a large ensemble piece. His 2023 album, Stars and Constellations (Adhyâropa Records), was described by JazzTrail as “Finding an exceptional connection between improvisation and notated music, Nachoff continues to forge a path of his own, moving in a revelatory line of action that separates him from other creatives.” The album features Nachoff with bassist Mark Helias, drummer Dan Weiss, the Bergamot Quartet, and the Rhythm Method string quartets.
Nachoff’s multimedia project Patterns From Nature bridges music, physics, and film in a collaboration with physicist Dr. Stephen Morris and filmmakers Udo Prinsen, Gita Blak, Lee Hutzulak, and Tina de Groot. The project draws on scientific insights to inspire artistic expression. Scored for a chamber orchestra blending classical and jazz traditions with featured soloists, the project premiered in October 2023 at Hunter College, NYC, and in November 2023 at Isabel Bader Theatre, Toronto.
Most recently, Nachoff co-led The Way of Water, a project with pianist Florian Hoefner, which premiered in Montreal in October 2024, blending string orchestra, jazz ensemble, and additional winds and percussion to explore the ecological and societal impacts of water.
Through his work, Nachoff balances tradition and innovation, crafting music that integrates diverse influences and collaborations, from orchestral compositions to multimedia projects.