Dr. Mikio Sasaki Joins Canadian Brass

Canadian Brass, Opus 3 Artists, and MünchenMusik are delighted to announce the appointment of Grammy Award-winning, Juilliard and Yale-trained trumpeter Dr. Mikio “Miki” Sasaki to the world’s pre-eminent brass quintet!

Mikio comes to Canadian Brass with a wealth of chamber music and touring experience, having formerly been a member of the St. Louis Brass Quintet and the Atlantic Brass Quintet. Raised in a family of classical, jazz, and bluegrass musicians, Sasaki is a flexible performer with the ability to switch seamlessly between classical, jazz, and other styles of music.

Chuck, Joe, and Jeff first met Mikio in 2008 at the famed Interlochen Arts Camp, where, as a virtuoso high school student and a winner of the National Trumpet Competition, he immediately impressed the Brass.

“Mikio stood out to us with his mature sound and musicality, his professional demeanor, and his tremendous composure. He was simply fantastic!” said Joe.

Chuck recalls: “Mikio was on his way to attend The Juilliard School and then Yale University, following which his star continued to rise rapidly in our direction. A decade and a half later, the timing was right for him to join our musical mission in Canadian Brass.”

Concurrent with his position with the Brass, Mikio will continue as Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Oregon.

“It’s an absolute thrill to learn Miki is joining Canadian Brass,” says Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Dean of the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance (SOMD). “The appointment is well-deserved. Canadian Brass is such an exceptional and inspiring ensemble, and it was no surprise that they wanted him to join. Miki epitomizes the type of exceptionally talented, professional faculty we boast at SOMD. His experience, work ethic, and passion are treasured by his students and colleagues. We are so proud and can’t wait to see where this next adventure takes him.”

Mikio hails from a “Royal Family of Trumpet” of sorts, as his father is legendary trumpet performer and pedagogue Ray Sasaki, formerly Professor of Trumpet at the University of Texas in Austin.

In Mikio’s own words, “It is such an honor to join Canadian Brass. I’m excited to be part of an ensemble that continues to be a major force in shaping the future of music. I look forward to continuing the group’s legacy, sharing music with audiences across the world, inspiring the next generation of musicians, and collaborating with my esteemed colleagues on the group’s upcoming projects!”

We warmly welcome Mikio to Canadian Brass and are excited for the incredible musical journey ahead. Welcome, Mikio!