“An artist of exceptional ability, distinguishing himself as a remarkable performer, teacher and ambassador of the saxophone”
Wonki Lee is an acclaimed classical saxophonist, praised by New York Concert Review for delivering “a knockout performance.” Widely recognized as one of the leading saxophonists of his generation, Lee is known for his lyrical tone, technical precision, and deep commitment to both traditional and contemporary repertoire. His interpretive approach reflects a fascination with the history of the saxophone and a passion for reimagining original works with fresh insight and depth.
Lee’s artistic mission is to illuminate the expressive beauty of the saxophone and to share its music in ways that inspire and enrich audiences worldwide. As a soloist, he has performed in major venues around the globe, including La Plantation in Beijing, Yamaha Ginza in Tokyo, the Seoul Arts Center, Lotte Concert Hall, and Lincoln Center in New York. Recent highlights include a sold-out recital in Tokyo featuring an all-American program and a solo appearance with the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra.
A prolific recording artist, Lee has released four solo albums: American Sonatas, Air—Songs for the Saxophone, French Masterpieces Vol. 1, and Respectfully Yours. In 2025, he will release his latest album, Masterpieces for the Saxophone – American Sonatas from Two Millennia, featuring landmark works by David Maslanka, William Albright, and Robert Muczynski. As a Yamaha Performing Artist, Lee exclusively performs on Yamaha Custom 875 EX saxophones and has given numerous recitals that highlight the instrument’s expressive potential through significant contributions to the saxophone repertoire.
“Mr. Lee’s artistic mission is to share the sheer beauty of the saxophone tone and its music to enrich lives of listeners”
Lee’s dedication to expanding the saxophone's voice is evident in his active advocacy for contemporary music. He has commissioned and premiered numerous new works for saxophone, ranging from solo pieces to concertos, and is currently collaborating with American composer Joel Love on a new saxophone concerto. Beyond his solo career, Lee is a fervent orchestral saxophonist. He has worked with distinguished conductors including Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, Philippe Entremont, and Norman Huynh, and has performed with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, New World Symphony, Tokyo Wind Symphony Orchestra, Bridgeport Symphony, and Bozeman Symphony. He previously served as principal saxophonist of the New York Wind Orchestra.
Equally committed to education, Lee is an enthusiastic mentor to the next generation of saxophonists. He regularly presents masterclasses and lectures across the United States and Asia, with recent engagements at Juilliard, Korea National University of Arts, and Tokyo College of Music. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Montana State University and teaches in the Precollege Division at the Manhattan School of Music.
Born in Tokyo to Korean parents, Lee began playing the saxophone at age thirteen and later moved to New York to pursue formal music studies. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under renowned saxophonist Dr. Paul Cohen. Lee is represented by Classically Connected Inc. and Price Attractions Management.
“As a Yamaha Performing Artist, Mr. Lee exclusively plays the Yamaha Custom 875 EX saxophones.”
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