Barry Cockcroft, esteemed saxophonist and composer, enjoys an extraordinary international presence. His compositions, known for their captivating appeal, distinctive quirkiness, and technical intrigue, have been staged thousands of times across 60 countries and persist as a mainstay of the world’s elite musicians, integrating effortlessly into the mainstream repertoire.

As concerto soloist, Barry has performed with notable groups including the United States Navy Band and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and for two decades, Barry performed with major Australian orchestras.

Barry studied with Dr. Peter Clinch in Melbourne, Australia, and for two years in Bordeaux, France, with saxophonists Jacques Net, Marie-Bernadette Charrier, and Jean-Marie Londeix.

He is a Selmer Artist and a D’addario International Artist, and since 2009 has been a member of the International Saxophone Committee, supporting the triennial World Saxophone Congress.

Barry has led masterclasses at prominent Australian universities and premier institutions such as the Paris Conservatoire in France, George Mason University in the US, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire in the UK. He has adjudicated for The Adolphe Sax International Competition (Belgium), the Gisborne International Music Competition (New Zealand) and the finals of Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards (Australia).

His collaborations with 120 composers have led to the publication of roughly 15,000 works. Barry has rallied composers writing the most advanced concert music to remember also the developing players who require a stimulating and original repertoire of their own. Barry encourages musicians to perform not only the newest music, but also the best new music. His own pedagogical books help to guide thousands of developing musicians each year and his 120 published works are available exclusively from Reed Music.

An enthusiastic traveller, he has visited over 85 countries and continues to perform and compose.