The 2026 Markham Saxophone Awards Announced
Vandoren UK are proud to continue to support the Markham Annual Awards for 2026. Founded in 2013 by Vandoren UK performing artist and leading saxophone tutor Sarah Markham, the annual awards recognise the achievements of Sarah’s graduating students.
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The Sarah Markham Saxophone AwardAwarded each year to an outstanding graduating student.Recipient: Kezia Colton |
Kezia is graduating from the Royal College of Music Junior Department, where she has studied with me since 2020. She was awarded the Ralph Markham Achievement Award in 2024 following national and international success in competitions. Kezia has continued to develop her playing and particularly enjoys using contemporary techniques to bring excitement and fun into her performances. Competition successes have continued and Kezia plans to continue to develop her solo career whilst studying in Paris with saxophonist Jerome Laran.
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The Ralph Markham Achievement AwardAwarded to a student in recognition of their personal achievements and development.Recipient: Royal College of Music Junior Department Saxophone Quartet
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For the first time, this award is given to an ensemble rather than an individual: Kezia Colton (soprano), Nina Linn (alto), Rory Johnston (tenor), Jake Fokes (baritone).
In 2025 the quartet reached the final of the RCMJD chamber competition, going on to perform at the Elgar Room at the Albert Hall in London, and at the Wigmore Hall in 2026. The quartet collaborated with RCMJD composers, premiering new works for saxophone quartet as part of the RCMJD LinkEd project, led by composition teacher Simon Speare. The quartet had a particular affinity with twentieth century French quartet works, which were central to their recital programmes. Three of the members studied jazz with RCMJD jazz teacher Mornington Locket, their love of jazz and other genres (tango, funk) also informed their repertoire choices as a quartet, both in recital and their function gigs.
The students graduated from the Junior Department in 2026. Kezia is continuing her saxophone studies in Paris with saxophonist Jerome Laran. Nina is going to Imperial College to study physics, with a scholarship to continue clarinet lessons at the Royal College of Music. Rory is taking up a scholarship to study jazz saxophone at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Jake is going to King’s College Cambridge to study Music, with a particular interest in analysis and conducting.
You can find more information about Sarah Markham and The Markham Awards here:
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