Damon Oliver

Damon Oliver is a saxophonist, clarinettist and flautist whose career moves fluidly between the worlds of classical music, jazz, theatre and the recording studio. Originally from Bournemouth and now based in London, his versatility as both a performer and multi-instrumentalist has established him as a sought-after musician across the UK.

Damon works regularly with many of the country’s leading orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra. His work across the wider classical world has also seen him perform with English National Opera, including its production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, and with The Royal Ballet for A Single Man. Alongside his concert work, Damon is a regular presence in musical theatre, opera and ballet productions, as well as recording sessions for television and film.

Equally at home as a jazz musician, Damon has appeared on numerous occasions with the BBC Big Band, tours regularly with the Sam Every Big Band, and was previously a member of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. He also leads The Homecoming Quintet, a project celebrating the music and legacy of Dexter Gordon and Woody Shaw, two of the defining voices of modern jazz.

Damon studied Classical Saxophone as an undergraduate at the Royal College of Music, London, before completing postgraduate studies in Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music. Alongside his performing career, he is passionate about music education and currently teaches at the Junior Department of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. He has also returned to his alma mater, the Royal College of Music, as a guest teacher and examiner.

At the heart of Damon’s work is a musical identity shaped by versatility: moving between instruments, ensembles and musical traditions while bringing the same focus on sound, expression and communication to each.