Victoria's Ryan Oliver brings his musical prowess to the cathedral for this special Valentine's Day concert (P.S. this concert is actually on February 13!) It's perfect way to have a night on the town - see you there!
About Ryan Oliver
Ryan Oliver, a Juno-nominated saxophonist based in Victoria, has carved his musical journey along Canada’s west coast and beyond, with stints in Amsterdam, Toronto, and New York City. Renowned as one of Canada’s foremost saxophonists, Oliver boasts an impressive resume spanning continents. He’s a familiar face on the global jazz circuit, having toured extensively with the iconic jazz funk ensemble, The Shuffle Demons, captivating audiences across Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe, and the United States. Co-leading The Cookers Quintet, Oliver has left an indelible mark on the Canadian jazz scene, with numerous recordings and broadcasts under their belt, including a notable live video broadcast for CBC. Oliver’s partnership with Toronto-based Do Right Music has yielded four acclaimed albums, including 2024’s, “Live In Vancouver” by the Ryan Oliver Quartet, featuring vocalist Dee Daniels and Canadian jazz legends, Sir Terry Clarke on drums and Neil Swainson on bass.
Oliver’s musical prowess is matched by his academic achievements, holding a Masters degree in music from Rutgers University. He has not only led the undergraduate big band at Rutgers but also shared his expertise in saxophone and ensemble clinics at universities worldwide for over two decades. Currently, as director and founder of the West Coast Jazz Academy in Victoria, he imparts his knowledge to aspiring saxophonists across Vancouver Island, directs both student and adult jazz combos and runs an annual week long saxophone camp.
Beyond performance and education, Oliver has contributed to the jazz community as an adjudicator for prestigious scholarships and festivals, including the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship and the Victoria and Powell River Jazz Festivals. He has been recognized as a nominee for numerous awards including the Prix De Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival, a Juno nomination and the Western Canadian Jazz musician of the Year in 2022.