Gusto Saxophone
Biography
Gusto Saxophone Quartet is an accomplished, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking ensemble that has made a mark as one of Southeast Asia’s leading saxophone quartets dedicated to contemporary music. Founded in 2017 by students from Mahidol University’s College of Music, the quartet is recognized for its incredible sound and unique style. Esteemed composer Jean-Patrick Besingrand describes them as "an accomplished, enthusiastic, broad-minded young saxophone quartet with an incredible sound and style," while Dr. Jason Thorpe Buchanan commends their "animated and full of vitality" performances, highlighting them as one of the region's most promising young ensembles.
Gusto Saxophone Quartet is deeply committed to advancing new music and contemporary compositions. They have performed in prominent events across Asia and beyond, including the Thailand International Composition Festival (TICF), Chiang Mai Ginastera International Music Festival, Thailand Saxophone Day, Thailand International Wind Symphony Competition, Yamaha Single Reed Festival, Singapore Saxophone Symposium, Indonesian Orchestra and Ensemble Festival, and the Expo 2020 in Dubai (extended brass band, Gusto Brass Band).
The quartet has earned numerous accolades, including winning the Valaya Alongkorn Music Competition 2020, securing second and third place at the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Music Festival (2023, 2020), and reaching the finals of the Goodmesh Concours 2021. Their talent and dedication have made them a sought-after group in both national and international competitions.
Committed to fostering contemporary music, Gusto has collaborated with acclaimed composers such as Jean-Patrick Besingrand (USA/France), Chudalux Pinan (Thailand), Chawin Temsittichok (Thailand), and Waris Sukontapatipark (Thailand), commissioning new pieces that expand the boundaries of saxophone quartet repertoire. Additionally, they have partnered with brands outside the music industry, like Air Asia and Index Creative Village, embracing a vision of collaborative art.
The ensemble has been coached by distinguished artists, including members of the H2 Quartet, Dr. Chen Kwan Kin from Eastman School of Music, and Prof. Shyen Lee, which has enriched their artistry and performance quality. Recognized as Yamaha and Vandoren Artists, Gusto Saxophone Quartet continues to inspire audiences with their vibrant approach to saxophone music and their commitment to innovation in the world of contemporary music.
Today, Gusto Saxophone Quartet has evolved into Gusto, a Thai Pop and R&B band, with its saxophone roots still resonating in their sound. The ensemble’s journey from classical beginnings to contemporary pop illustrates their adaptability and commitment to both their musical heritage and the modern music scene.
Nitchan Pitayathorn
Nitchan Pitayathorn is a distinguished saxophonist, educator, and performer, with roots in Thailand and a career marked by international accolades. Born and raised in Thailand, Nitchan began studying saxophone at age eight with Mr. Promwut Sudtakoo at MCGP Seacon Square in Bangkok. In 2014, he joined the Pre-college Program at Mahidol University’s College of Music to hone his classical saxophone skills with Mr. Wisuwat Pruksavanich and Prof. Shyen Lee, securing a merit scholarship from the college.
Nitchan has performed at numerous prestigious events, including the 17th and 18th World Saxophone Congresses, Singapore Saxophone Symposium, Hong Kong International Saxophone Symposium, Asia Pacific Saxophone Academy, and the Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition. His international debut took place at Carnegie Hall, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his journey, Nitchan has studied under renowned saxophonists such as Jean-Marie Londiex, Dr. William Street, Claude Delangle, and Dr. Kenneth Tse, and has attended masterclasses and ensemble coaching with some of the world’s most esteemed musicians.
His exceptional talent has been recognized in competitions worldwide, including winning the SET Youth Musician Competition (3 times), the YAMP Concerto Competition, and First Place in the American Protégé International Woodwinds and Brass Competition, among many other honors. Nitchan is also celebrated for his work with contemporary composers, premiering pieces by artists like Dr. Attakorn Sookjaeng, and Dr. Jason Thorpe Buchanan.
Nitchan's solo career began at age 16 with the Mahidol Symphonic Band and expanded to collaborations with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and performances as a soloist at Carnegie Hall. As a founding member of ensembles like the Gusto Saxophone Quartet (now Gusto), he has represented Thailand in global events such as EXPO 2020 in Dubai and the Asian Saxophone Congress.
Currently, Nitchan is the frontman and saxophonist of the Thai Pop R&B band Gusto, a full-time music teacher at an international school in Bangkok, and an endorsed Yamaha and Vandoren Artist, continuing his legacy of musical excellence on both national and international stages.
Sakdina Sirisarnsophon
Sakdina Sirisarnsophon was born in Suphanburi, Thailand, and began studying classical saxophone at the age of fourteen with Ms. Pulaporn Sreewishian at the Music Campus for General Public College of Music, Mahidol University (MCGP) in Seacon Bangkae, Bangkok. In 2016, he joined the Pre-College Music Program at Mahidol University to further his studies in classical saxophone under the guidance of Prof. Shyen Lee and Mr. Wisuwat Pruksavanich. He later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (Classical Saxophone) at Mahidol University’s College of Music, continuing his training with Prof. Shyen Lee.
Sakdina has participated in numerous prestigious national and international music events, including the Asia Pacific Saxophone Academy, the Singapore Saxophone Symposium (2017 and 2018), the 11th, 12th, and 13th editions of the Pre-College Concert, the World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia, the Thailand International Composition Festival (TICF), and Thailand Saxophone Day. His performances have showcased his technical expertise and dedication to classical saxophone.
As a member of Gusto, Sakdina contributed to the ensemble's success and received multiple awards, including:
- Winner of the Valaya Alongkorn Music Competition in 2020
- Third Prize at the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Music Festival in 2020
- Finalist in the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Ensemble Competition in 2021
- Finalist at the Goodmesh Concours in 2021
- Second Prize at the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Ensemble Competition 2023
Currently, Sakdina works as a freelance saxophonist, continuing to expand his musical experiences and collaborations in both national and international settings. He is also a Yamaha and Vandoren Artist.
Chokwattana Puay-uan
Chokwathana Puay-uan studied saxophone at the Pre-college Music Program at the College of Music, Mahidol University. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the same institution and later completed his master’s degree from Silpakorn University, specializing in Music Research and Development. He has participated in various music competitions and performances in Thailand and internationally, including in China and Taiwan. Throughout his career, he has achieved numerous awards, such as:
- First Prize at the TIWEC competition in 2014
- Second Prize at the Osaka Competition in 2015
- Second Prize in Class C at the TIWSC in 2018
- Third Prize at the 21st SET Youth Music Festival in 2018
- Honorable Mention Award at the Chiang Mai Ginastera International Music Festival and Competition
- Winner of the Valaya Alongkorn Music Competition in 2020
- Third Prize at the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Music Festival in 2020
- Finalist in the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Ensemble Competition in 2021
- Finalist at the Goodmesh Concours in 2021
- Second Prize at the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Ensemble Competition 2023
Currently, he is a saxophone and guitar instructor, a Yamaha Saxophone Artist, and an artist for Vandoren Paris.
