from USA

St Louis native Jessica Heller Knopf is an active new music advocate, involved in both commissioning and performing new works for the saxophone. She has premiered the following works by Beth Hummer: Close Your Eyes, Mad Chef, and Covered In Bees. Additionally, Knopf has performed in master classes with Marco Albonetti and the Athens Saxophone Quartet. Knopf received her Bachelor's of Music from Bowling Green State University under the tutelage of Dr John Sampen. While at BGSU, she was awarded first prize with the H₃O Saxophone Quartet in the Bowling Green State University Chamber Music Competition. In 2011, Knopf took first place in the graduate woodwind division of the Missouri Music Teachers Association competition.

Knopf is currently studying with Professor Leo Saguiguit while pursuing a masters degree in saxophone performance from the University of Missouri. She also serves the role as teaching assistant to Saguiguit. She has been a member of the Domingo Saxophone Quartet, Epicé Saxophone Quartet, and the H₃O Saxophone Quartet and has held first chair positions in several bands. Knopf also collaborates with pianists and other musicians to perform solo concerts of both classic and contemporary saxophone literature.

The Soulful and the Perpetual. - Chen Yi

i. The Soulful

ii. The Perpetual

Commissioned by Jessica Heller Knopf for premiere at the 2012 World Saxophone Congress, The Soulful and the Perpetual is in two movements. The first movement is lyrical, with moving and gripping melodies. The second is perpetual motion, which symbolizes consistence and perseverance. The music moves forward gradually towards the climax.

Mad Chef - Beth Hummer

The VIDEOS