Concert saxophonist Ashu returns to the First Presbyterian Church on April 7 for the first time since 2011.

A celebrated soloist, Ashu has performed recitals and concertos for audiences in countries all over the world at venues including Carnegie Hall, Ravinia Festival, Vienna Konzerthaus, Zurich Tonhalle, Kravis Center, and New York’s Central Park and has recently been invited to perform concertos with major orchestras in Vienna, New York City, Chicago, St. Petersburg, Lisbon, Montreal, Bremen, Edmonton, Cape Town, and Prague, so it is a special treat when he takes time to visit us in an intimate setting in the Summit City.

Often praised for his extraordinary ability to communicate with audiences through his charismatic and emotive performance style, he is one of today’s most engaging and pioneering musicians. On stage, you’ll usually find Ashu in a state of perpetual motion, keeping audiences totally enthralled throughout the show.

His electric performances have allowed him to win many awards over the years, including the International Musical Olympus Festival’s Audience Award, the Northwestern University Concerto Competition, the National KSO Concerto Competition, and the Salon De Virtuosi Career Grant.

Critics love him, too, as the Chicago Tribune said that he “possesses a deep musicality which pours through his playing and hooks the audience” while the Dallas Morning News claimed “he’s just as much fun to watch as to listen to.”

The event is open to the public and a free-will offering will be taken.