Jazz lovers, take note! Saxophonist Alec Haavik, known for his wild improvisations and genre-bending jazz, is taking the stage alongside pianist Michael Compton and drummer Wu Zhenbang. Expect a night of high-energy swing, soulful melodies, and top-tier musicianship from this powerhouse trio.

Saxophone: Alec Haavik

Hailing from the global arts capital of New York, Alec Haavik is a seasoned saxophonist specializing in soprano and tenor saxophones. He excels in improvisation and jazz performance. In the United States, he has collaborated with numerous renowned jazz vocalists, including Jane Monheit and Ronnie Burrage. While completing his master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music, he studied under Dick Oatts and leading saxophonist Mark Turner. Alec's work paints a multidimensional musical world, redefining jazz. Beyond leading his original modern music projects, he has a deep passion for traditional jazz and swing dance, which he has fused into the creation of "The Alec Haavik Frantic Big Band."

Piano: Michael Compton

Michael Compton is an outstanding young jazz pianist from the United States currently residing in China. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, where he studied under Donald Brown, Gregory Tardy, and Rusty Holloway. He has participated in numerous prestigious concerts and jazz festivals. Not only is he an experienced pianist, but he is also a highly respected jazz educator. Committed to jazz tradition, he possesses a rigorous structural approach and meticulous attention to detail. From the United States to China, he has earned acclaim from professional jazz musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike.

Drums: Wu Zhenbang

Wu Zhenbang was admitted to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music's affiliated high school in 2011, ranking first in his major. He studied under Yang Ruwen, Luo Tianqi, and Gao Hua. During his time there, he performed frequently with the school's percussion ensemble and bands at venues such as the Shanghai Concert Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, and Poly Grand Theatre. In 2016, he participated in the first "Drumming China" International Percussion Festival with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Percussion Ensemble, also performing at the China Conservatory of Music.

In 2017, he once again ranked first in his major upon admission to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s pop percussion program, where he studied under Chu Weiming and Chris Trzcinski. In 2021, he was accepted into the New England Conservatory, where he studied under Billy Hart, Greg Hutchinson, Kush Abadey, Nasheet Waits, and Donny McCaslin. He has shared the stage with many distinguished jazz musicians, including Dave Holland, Immanuel Wilkins, Ethan Iverson, Michael Formanek, Edmar Colón, David Gilmour, and Gordon Goodwin.

• Jazz & Concerts