Born in Tokyo, Japan, saxophonist Wataru Sato began his formal studies at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (UC-CCM) in 1994. While he was a student there, he won the UC-CCM Concerto Competition twice, resulting in performances with both the CCM Wind Symphony and the Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1996, he won third prize in the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Collegiate Classical Saxophone Competition. Mr. Sato’s abilities as a soloist continued to be recognized, and he appeared as a concerto soloist on his first commercial album, The Orpheus Oracle (Vienna Modern Masters).

In 1998 he entered the graduate program at Northwestern University (NU), after completing his BM at CCM. In 1999, Mr. Sato continued his pattern of success, performing with the NU Philharmonic Orchestra as a winner of NU’s Concerto Competition.

Sato is a member of the Masato Kumoi Saxophone Quartet—one of Japan’s premiere saxophone chamber ensembles—and the Tokyo Wind Symphony Orchestra. Active as both a soloist and chamber musician, his projects have led to performances in many countries including the United States, South Korea and China. Also an active recording artist, his CD appearances include a solo album, Saxophone Recital (CACG-0175), several quartet albums including Songs for the Coming Day, and Reflections with the Tokyo Wind Symphony Orchestra, among many others. His primary teachers include Shinichiro Hikosaka, Nobuya Sugawa, Rick VanMater, Frederic Hemke and Masato Kumoi.