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 quickly garnering 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 eighteen 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)
He has performed as a soloist and 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.
May has premiered works and collaborated with today's most eminent and emerging composers including Kevin Day, 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 - Tone Studies: the Saxophone Music of David Maslanka; 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 inspire the creation and promotion of innovative queer repertoire that celebrates the unique experiences and voices within our community, fostering greater understanding, connection, and visibility for all.
Nick May is an endorsing artist for Legere Reeds.
APPLAUSE
“Nick May is an incredibly profound, insightful, and virtuosic musician. I have worked with him and witnessed his performance as a soloist with orchestra, and a chamber musician. The entire orchestra and audience was deeply inspired and entertained by Nick’s master craftsmanship and ability to bring the spirit of the music to life. As a conductor, one could not ask for much more from a soloist than Nick provides: clarity of intention and inspired interpretive acumen, oh and relating to the orchestra and the music with a friendliness and free spirited-ness that allows for the most successful and elevated performance possible.”
Maestro Devin Hughes, Music Director and Conductor, Arapahoe Philharmonic
“Nick May is one of those rare artists that seamlessly combines expressive content with technical virtuosity. When you listen to him play, you are just thinking about how beautiful the music is. Afterward, you realize that what he was doing was technically dazzling, but he delivers all that skill without ever drawing attention to the mechanics. For me, it is the ideal kind of playing, and it's why I've been a fan for many years.”
Kurt Knecht, Composer and Keyboardist
“Nick May brings his personality to every performance - full of genuine joie de vivre!”
Javier Oviedo, Executive Director, The Classical Saxophone Project
"Nick May displays superb collaborative artistry. His playing effuses effervescence, and it was a deep honor to hear him bring my original works to invigorated life.”
Nathan Froebe, Composer
"Nick May is a highly skilled technician on the saxophone, constantly innovating and challenging the instrument’s capabilities. More than that, Nick’s artistry further imbues his performance with an unmatched sense of lyricism and expression. His innate understanding of narrative makes collaborating with Nick a true pleasure.”
Christina Ensign, Composer
"Nicholas May and Ellen Sommer deliver an impressive artistic presentation... paying tribute to David Maslanka in this sensitive and exceptional performance.
NACWPI Journal
"Stunned and fascinated."
American Record Guide
"Nick May gave a stunning performance of two epic solo saxophone works, full of energy and intamacy."
New Music Chicago