Described as a "phenomenal sax soloist" (Chicago Tribune), Julian Velasco (he/him) is a Chicago-based Mexican-American artist, educator, and advocate for contemporary arts. Raised in the diverse musical culture of Los Angeles, his background draws from classical, jazz, experimental, and popular styles whose influences inform his approach to all music.
Known as "both an infectiously joyous interpreter of new music and a monster improviser" (Chicago Tribune), Velasco has premiered over 80 new works, collaborating with artists including the Bang on a Can All-Stars, Mei-Ann Chen, Billy Childs, Nico Muhly, Alex Mincek PRISM Quartet, Annika Socolofsky, and Rodney Whitaker.
His first solo album As We Are debuted at #4 on Billboard's Traditional Classical Album Charts, regarded as "fabulous" (Third Coast Review) and "gorgeous" (Gramophone).
Velasco is the Artistic Director and soprano saxophonist of ~Nois saxophone quartet. Founded in 2016, ~Nois has become one of the premier ensembles in the U.S. ~Nois has been awarded top prizes at prestigious chamber music competitions including the Fischoff and the M-Prize competitions. Since its founding, ˜Nois has given over 120 performances in 22 states.
Julian holds degrees from Northwestern University and Michigan State University. He is a Luminarts Fellow and Cedille Records' Emerging Artist.