Hailing from Bristol, Nigel studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire where he specialised in saxophone and clarinet performance. He was one of the first students to study the saxophone at the Conservatoire. After graduation, he became a saxophone teacher at the Conservatoire and helped to establish their exam syllabus for that instrument. He was a founder member of the group Saxtet and as part of the group, he was inspired to compose, arrange and later to publish new music for the saxophone resulting in the birth of Saxtet Publications.
Nigel composed many pieces that have been performed in the UK and abroad by such notable saxophonists as Gerard McChrystal and John Harle. His works have been broadcast on both radio and television and several have been recorded on Saxtet's CD Safer Sax and are available as sheet music.
His compositions include Under the Veil which has been performed and broadcast by the BBC Concert Orchestra and more recently performed by the Azerbaijan Symphony Orchestra as part of the Visions of Britain Festival promoted by The British Council.
Cries of the Stentor for soprano and piano was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 from the Wigmore Hall. Where Spirits and Demons Dance for choir was commissioned by the National Youth Wind Orchestra's Saxophonia and performed at the Purcell Room. Some of his music has also been published by Boosey & Hawkes and Stainer & Bell.
Nigel continues to write music predominantly for the saxophone which is presently being published by Saxtet Publications. Visit the composer's site: www.nigelwoodmusic.com