2026 WAAPA Massed Sax Festival Brings Players and Audiences Together
Thursday, 23 April 2026
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WAAPA students in concert.
The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) presents the 2026 WAAPA Massed Sax Festival, a vibrant two‑day celebration of the saxophone that unites free, inclusive daytime workshops with two high‑impact evening concerts at McCusker Recital Hall in the heart of Perth at WAAPA’s stunning new ECU City campus.
Now an annual highlight on WA’s music calendar, the Massed Sax Festival welcomes saxophonists of all ages and abilities, alongside educators, students, professionals and music lovers, celebrating the instrument’s extraordinary versatility, power and community spirit.
Free Weekend Workshops – Suitable for Sax Players of Every Level
Massed Sax Festival Day One - Saturday 2 May (2:00–5:00pm) launches the festival with hands‑on workshops designed to inspire and develop players at every level. Participants will explore composing for saxophone, ensemble performance, sound refinement and performance confidence, through live demonstrations and performances by selected quartets and ensembles. The focus is on creativity, musicianship and discovering individual artistic voice.
Massed Sax Festival Day Two - Sunday 3 May (11:00am–5:00pm) continues with the much‑loved Mighty Massed Sax Orchestra. Open to all saxophonists with at least two years’ playing experience—and welcoming observers and enthusiasts—the day features workshops, rehearsals and collaborative performance, celebrating the energy of making music together on a grand scale.
Ticketed Concerts – Two Nights of Saxophone Power
The weekend culminates in two distinct evening concerts.
Sax Gala Concert: Sonic Bridges, Global Voices (Saturday 2 May, 7:00pm) showcases WAAPA’s finest performers and leading professionals in a thrilling exploration of the saxophone across genres and cultures, from driving grooves to expansive contemporary works.
Mighty Massed Sax Orchestra: United Limitless (Sunday 3 May, 7:00pm) brings together WAAPA saxophonists and players from across Western Australia in an electrifying wall of sound—an unforgettable celebration of connection, creativity and community.
For interviews and further information please contact
Dr Matt Styles – m.styles@ecu.edu.au