Barry Cockcroft is regarded as one of Australia's finest saxophonists and his innovative compositions are performed throughout the world. He has played with major Australian orchestras and for 10 years has been a regular guest with the Malaysian Philharmonic. For a decade he has performed with Perth pianist Adam Pinto in Rompduo. Together they have recorded several albums and undertaken numerous national and international tours. Barry has appeared at major events including the Melbourne Festival, the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, the Brisbane Festival and international saxophone events in Australia, Italy, Spain, Canada, Thailand and the United States.

In 2011 Barry has been concerto soloist with the United States Navy Band and recitalist and guest clinician at the 35th International Saxophone Symposium. In February he was featured at the British Saxophone Congress in London, gave recitals in France and Germany with Rompduo and has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic. Barry is a Selmer Artist and a RICO International Artist.

Barry studied in Australia with Dr. Peter Clinch for 5 years and for 2 years in Bordeaux France with saxophonists Jacques Net, Marie-Bernadette Charrier and Jean-Marie Londeix. Barry has completed long-term residencies at the Banff Centre for the Arts, Canada and has received regular support from the Australia Council for the Arts.

Barry has given masterclasses and performances at major universities and music schools across Australia. A keen supporter of developing musicians, Barry has written several pedagogical books that continue to guide the development of thousands of young Australian musicians every year. Barry has over 140 published works all of which are available from Reed Music. He has acted as a repertoire consultant on Australian music and is a member of the International Saxophone Committee, supporting the triennial World Saxophone Congress.

Captivating, quirkily humorous and technically demanding, Barry's compositions have seen successful adoption into mainstream saxophone literature. His music successfully integrates contemporary saxophone techniques into well-known genres, structures and rhythms. The combination of familiar sounds with new ideas has allowed audiences worldwide to enjoy and understand his music.

Barry's close association with over 100 composers has led to the publication of more than 1,000 new works over the past 16 years. Barry has encouraged composers writing the most advanced concert music for the saxophone to remember also the developing players who require a stimulating and original repertoire of their own. Barry encourages musicians to perform not only the newest music, but also the best new music.

Barry was on the faculty of the Bonyi International Youth Music Festival in Brisbane in 2007.

An enthusiastic traveller Barry has visited over 60 countries including China and continues to compose and perform. For more information please visit barrysax.com.