The Californer - New Saxophone Prize Honors Astronaut Ronald E. McNair, First To Play Sax In Space

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Ron McNair holding a curved saxophone in space MIT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. & HOUSTON & NAPOLI, Italy - Californer -- Guiseppe De Matola Sax Foundation announces a new international saxophone prize honoring Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair (1950–1986) — NASA astronaut, physicist, and the first to play a saxophone in outer space.

The award is being launched in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, which occurred on January 28, 1986, and claimed the lives of all seven crew members, including Dr. McNair.

During the Space Shuttle Challenger mission of February 1984, Dr. McNair made history by becoming the first person to play a musical instrument in space; performing on a curved soprano saxophone that could fit within the shuttle's limited stowage space. His moment in orbit symbolized the union of scientific achievement and artistic expression.

Dr. McNair held a Ph.D. in physics from MIT and was widely admired not only for his scientific brilliance but also for his deep commitment to music. He was scheduled to perform a saxophone piece written especially for him by composer Jean-Michel Jarre during the 1986 mission. A performance that never took place due to the tragedy.

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This new saxophone prize seeks to honor McNair's unique legacy and to inspire a new generation of musicians through the values he embodied: curiosity, excellence, and the belief that science and art belong together.

"This prize is my way of honoring the legacy of Giuseppe De Matola, and the legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair. Both believed deeply in the pursuit of science and the power of music. My hope is that every applicant not only preforms at a high level, but also comes to know Dr. McNair's story and finds inspiration for wherever life and discovery may lead them." Ann Pizzorusso, Founder: Giuseppe De Matola Sax Fdn.

The prize will be awarded to an outstanding saxophonist whose performance reflects technical excellence, expressive depth, and the spirit of exploration that defined Dr. McNair's life.

Giuseppe De Matola was a Neapoltian rock 'n roll sax musician who studied physics. In his retirement years he was fascinated with astrophysics. On January 8, 2024 his ashes were aboard the rocket Enterprise and carried into the deepest reaches of space.

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The winner will perform "Ron's Piece" at the Sax Event in Crotone, Italy on May 2-3, 2026.

Further details regarding eligibility, application procedures, and performance requirements can be found at: https://www.giuseppedematolasax.com/premio

Christine O'Donald: @giuseppedematolasax

https://youtu.be/np4hs3aS5DE?si=jwsoTLlTpDXtTXeO