Saxophonist and Composer
Gadigal (Sydney) born Michael Avgenicos is a multi-award-winning Greek-Australian saxophonist and composer. Known for his versatile, flowing voice on the tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, Avgenicos draws inspiration from air and breath as an expression of the human spirit.
Michael has been playing saxophone since he was 8 years old. Across a wide range of contexts, his instrument serves as an extension of his inner self, producing a deep, emotive and fluid style.
Michael's current projects include Hamed Sadeghi's ARIA nominated groups Eishan Ensemble and Empty Voices, Matt Thomson/Alex Hirlian's Tourismo, Paul Derricott's COAST, Max Alduca's Monastery, Avgenicos Brothers' Reduction, and his new jazz quartet, Eudaemons.
Michael has performed with many notable names in Australia including Barney McAll, Jonathan Zwartz, Sandy Evans, Mike Nock, Lloyd Swanton, Jeremy Rose, Peter Koopman, Aaron Blakey, and more.
Some of Michael's recent performance highlights include performances for Rome Jazz Festival and London Jazz Festival, Auckland Arts Festival, Sydney Festival, Brisbane Festival and Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Among his many accolades, Avgenicos has been nominated for ARIA Awards in both the Best World Music Album and Best Jazz Album categories. He has also been selected as a finalist for the APRA Art Music Awards.
Aside from his artistic projects, Michael works as a freelance musician, having performed and recorded on set for The Voice Australia and Triple J's Like a Version.
Awards and Nominations
Associate of Music, Australia (AmusA) Diploma 2009
Sydney Conservatorium of Music - BMus Jazz Performance 2016
National Jazz Awards Saxophone Competition, Finalist - Wangaratta 2016
Big Brother Movement (BBM) award for excellence in music 2017
Best Music Award Shortlist, Sydney Fringe Festival Eishan Ensemble 2019
ARIA Award nomination - Best World Music Album Project Masnavi 2021
ARIA Award nomination - Best Jazz Album Torque 2024
National Jazz Awards Saxophone Competition, Finalist - Wangaratta 2024
Quotes
“Michael Avgenicos with his tenor warmed up, let loose a solo on Falling that had us momentarily silent then shouting out in pleasure.”
“Avgenicos on soprano sax went beyond the call of duty and was just superb in his solos.”
— Ian Muldoon
“A full blooded musician who brings Sadeghi’s compositions to life with vigour and enthusiasm.”
“The star-studded quintet of musicians is a genuine community of like-minded souls”
— Eric Myers, The Australian
“Avgenicos is now fully woven into the Sydney jazz scene’s rich fabric”
“Bittersweet had the Avgenicos brothers’ horns fluently interweaving over a groove evoking a long journey. It was all so gentle and transporting”