BIOGRAPHIES

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NICK MAY

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Heralded as “highly virtuosic” whose “artistry further imbues his performance with an unmatched sense of lyricism and expression,” (Christina Ensign, Composer), saxophonist Nick May is sought after as a highly expressive, intuitive performer that “brings his personality to every performance - full of genuine joie de vivre!” (Javier Oviedo, Classical Saxophone Project) and has quickly garnered attention for his compelling programs that have been described as “Incredible; bringing to life some of the best music that has ever been written” (Maestro Hughes, Arapahoe Philharmonic). Since his solo debut at the age of 18 with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, May’s career has taken him throughout the United States, Singapore, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, appearing recurrently as a guest artist and recitalist. Additionally, May has garnered prizes at many prestigious national and international competitions with recent Carnegie Hall performances with pianist and M2 Duo partner, Maya Tuylieva, described as “two incredible musicians, who perform as one voice” (Dave Kenney, Composer).

 

May has performed as a soloist and has been featured with the Mid America Freedom Band, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Saxophone Choir, Classical Saxophone Project, Baker University Jazz Combo and Big Band, Arapahoe Philharmonic Orchestra, Kansas Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Orchestra, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wind Ensemble, and the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and has premiered works and collaborated with today's most eminent and emerging composers including Jennifer Higdon, Peter Dayton, Ingrid Stölzel, Dave Kenney, Spencer Arias, Nathan Froebe, Evan Boegehold, John Kosch, Christina Ensign, David von Kampen, Suhan Tuyliyev, among others. He released his debut album in 2019 under Albany Records called Tone Studies: the Saxophone Music of David Maslanka and is also featured on The Chamber Music of David von Kampen and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Jazz Orchestra’s album, The Good Life. Additionally, he is the founder of the I Exist Project, which aims to advocate for, bring light to, and celebrate the multifaceted aspects of queer life, culture, and artistry through collaboration with a diverse range of queer composers and performers to promote the creation and visibility of new queer repertoire.

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Visit Nick's website

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MAYA TUYLIEVA

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A pianist from Turkmenistan (former USSR), Dr. Maya Tuylieva has been described as a profound artist, capable of commanding the attention of the audience with her inimitable sincerity and conviction of her performances by colleges and listeners around the world. She won her first competition at the age of six and made her national debut with a live performance on Turkmen National Television at the age of eight. She then entered the Turkmen State Special Music School, where she won numerous state competitions. Among those was the 1999 Turkmen National Young Artist Competition. Upon graduating from the Special Music School, Maya entered the Turkmen National Conservatory where she worked and performed with the Turkmen Philharmonic Orchestra and the orchestra of the Turkmen National Conservatory.

 

In 2001, Maya was a awarded a full scholarship to study at the University of Kansas, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree. While studying at KU, Maya won several national competitions, including Crescendo Young Musician’s Guild Competition and the Naftzger Young Artists Competition. Maya was also selected to perform with the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra for its concerti series at the Lied Center of Kansas. While earning a master’s degree at Arizona State University, Maya Tuylieva won the Cosmo and Buono International Piano Competition in New York City. Consequently, she performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall during the Winner’s Recital Gala Concert in May 2008. Recently, Tuylieva earned a Doctorate in Music degree from the University of Kansas. Maya's current performances include the Young Artist Tour throughout Italy and a concert series in Japan.

 

Visit Maya's website

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LOCATION

A private Riverside residence in North Kansas City

Guests will be emailed address details the week of the concert

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EVENT TIMELINE:

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3:30 - 3:55 - Arrive and mingle

4:00 - Concert

5:00 - 6:00 - Performer meet & greet 

     

A wine reception with light hors d'oeuvres will be provided after the concert