About Zachary
“…is a virtuoso and visionary saxophonist, internationally recognized for his ability to engage
audiences in dialogue with contemporary
classical music.”
- JLV Sound
American saxophonist Zachary Costello has been recognized for performances that combine technical mastery with cultural resonance and immersive audience experiences. Born in South Korea and raised near Washington, D.C., he has performed extensively throughout the United States, South Korea, and Europe, captivating audiences with programs that blend classical masterworks, contemporary repertoire, and innovative new commissions. He was named a Yamaha Young Performing Artist and has the Young Artist Award and the Grand Prize at the Naftzger Young Artist Competition, as well as Second Prize at the 2025 Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition. He was a finalist and prizewinner at the Andorra Saxfest International Saxophone Competition, performing with the National Classical Orchestra of Andorra, and has been recognized as a prizewinner in the Music Teachers National Association National Solo Competition. He also received the Hans Schaeuble Award in Switzerland in 2022, and performed as a soloist and chamber musician at the Arosa Winter Music Festival. Earlier in his career, he was honored as a YoungArts Winner.
A committed advocate for new music, Costello leads the commissioning project Echoes Beyond the Peninsula, collaborating with five composers of Korean and Korean-American descent to create chamber works that merge the saxophone with Korean traditional and folk music. The premieres of these works are scheduled for spring 2026. He is also collaborating with composer Dr. Jiyoun Chung on a new concerto for saxophone and wind ensemble, which will be performed by a consortium of more than 25 collegiate and professional wind ensembles across the United States. These projects reflect his dedication to expanding the saxophone repertoire while championing underrepresented voices.
As a chamber musician, Costello is the soprano chair of PULSE, an award-winning saxophone quartet recognized with the Lift Every Voice Prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and First Prizes at the Glass City and NOLA Chamber Music Competitions. He is also a founding member of Project NOVA, a saxophone ensemble that performs fully memorized and choreographed original and arranged repertoire, redefining the concert experience.
He serves as an Artist Ambassador for JLV Sound and has participated in masterclasses with Vincent David, Lars Mlekusch, Christian Wirth, Timothy McAllister, Mariano Garcia, Otis Murphy, Christopher Creviston, and Stephen Page. Costello holds a Bachelor of Music from Michigan State University and is pursuing a Master of Music at the Eastman School of Music. He also serves as Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone at Alfred University.
