Biography
Stephen Savage is a superlative musician in four facets: Clarinet, Composition, Arranging, and Education.
Stephen has truly made a name for himself for his masterful playing of a multitude of different clarinets. In 2023, he was offered the position of 2nd/3rd/Auxiliary Clarinet with the historic El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and over the past few years, he’s played with many illustrious ensembles including the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Central Texas Philharmonic, Final Fantasy Distant Worlds: Austin, Density512, Temple Symphony, and Austin Civic Orchestra. In addition, he is a recording artist and chamber musician. His performances are featured on classical labels such as Toccata Classic’s forthcoming Arnold Rosner: Band Music. He also works closely with composer Brian Satterwhite, and many films such as The Mark of War (2018), My Friend Mick (2018), The Next Kill (2018), Gorilla Wants Banana (2021) and The Summoned (2022) feature Stephen’s playing. Local fusion groups like Raquel Bell’s playful Swandala and Big Sky Collective’s enigmatic “The Arpeggio” call upon Stephen for his distinctive style and euphonious tone. He’s a Selmer Artist and plays on his gorgeous Selmer Privilege Bass.
Stephen is a sought-after composer for films, the concert stage, and everywhere in between. His score to Blight (2022) was a collaboration with his band Nøkken + the Grimm, which combined acoustic instruments with electronic sounds for a truly thrilling experience. His 2021 album Dual City started as a collaboration between himself and local musicians Thor Harris and Antonio Richardson. The album eventually evolved into a stylistic, genre-bending tour-de-force that put his clarinet-playing and compositional mind in harmony with Thor and Antonio’s lively, fresh musicianship and heartfelt message. Stephen has produced three other cinematic and diverse full-length albums: Portraits & Landscapes, Ex Tempore, and Where You Used To Be. He co-produced three of Nøkken + the Grimm’s incomparable studio albums and many EPs.
Stephen is an acclaimed, in-demand arranger. He has worked with Grammy-winning artists like Wynonna Judd and Daniel "Bekon" Tannenbaum (producer of Kendrick Lamar’s Damn), and his arrangements have also been featured at the SXSW Festival and the Country Music Television Awards. He works closely with Sienna String Quartet as their resident arranger, setting music of all genres for strings for events, weddings, and concerts. These arrangements and more can be found for purchase SheetMusicPlus.
Stephen Savage teaches clarinet and composition at Anderson High School, Murchison Middle School, and privately in Austin. Several of his students have pursued musical careers and have been accepted to esteemed institutions such as the UT Austin, NYU, Michigan State, and the University of Maryland. He firmly believes in a more diverse, just, and equitable musical world and putting that belief into practice. Since 2021, he has been proud to also teach with Austin Soundwaves, an “El Sistema” program that gives lessons and masterclasses to under-served students, schools, and communities throughout the greater Austin area. Furthering this goal of inclusion, he serves on the board and diversity committees of the Austin Civic Orchestra, ensuring community organizations work towards a common goal of diversity, equity, and inclusion in classical music.
Stephen Savage studied at the acclaimed University of Cincinnati under the tutelage of Richie Hawley and Jonathan Gunn. While pursuing his studies, Stephen won several awards such as the Baur Scholarship Competition at CCM and Columbus Youth Symphonic Band’s Solo Competition at Capital University.
Stephen is an avid cook, baker, gamer, nature-enjoyer, and husband to famed violinist Fehérló Gortva.
Photo by Lumiere Tin Type
Notable Performances
El Paso Symphony Orchestra - 2023-24 + 2024-25 Seasons
Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th 2023 Concert & Radio Simulcast
Central Texas Philharmonic Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone Live in Concert
Arranged for Wynonna Judd’s performance at the 2023 CMT Music Awards
Arranged for SXSW and Grammy-winner Daniel “Bekon” Tannenbaum - 2018
The Auricle Chamber - 2017
World Premieres: And Thus, Stranded on Enceladus, Overhead Freeway