BIOGRAPHY
Harry Toulson is a saxophonist, pianist, and composer based in London. His musical journey began in 2012 when he was accepted into Chetham’s School of Music, where he spent six formative years studying with world-class musicians including Iain Dixon, Les Chisnall, Steve Berry, and Richard Iles.
After graduating from Chetham’s, Harry continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, entering directly into the second year of the programme. There, he studied under acclaimed jazz musicians Iain Ballamy, Stan Sulzmann, and Head of Jazz Malcolm Edmonstone, refining both his artistry and professional musicianship. A particular highlight of his time at Guildhall was stepping in for Alice Leggett in a performance of Mark Lockheart’s ‘Days on Earth’ at Milton Court Concert Hall. During this period, Harry also gained invaluable experience performing under distinguished artists including Tim Garland, Ryan Quigley, and Elliot Mason of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Since completing his studies at Guildhall, Harry has become an active presence on the UK jazz scene, performing and recording with a range of original projects. With the Milena Granci Sextet, he performed a folk–jazz crossover project at venues including The Spice of Life, Vortex Jazz Club, and Crazy Coqs for the launch of the album ‘To Some Place New’, released in May 2026.
Harry also performs with a distinctive quintet led by Ralph Porrett, finalist in the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award. The ensemble, featuring vocals, flute, guitar, bass, and saxophone, recorded an album in Wales in 2024, with a release
and tour planned in the near future. Performances have included appearances at PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho, Chequers, and Milton Court Concert Hall.
Throughout his time at Chetham’s and Guildhall, Harry developed a close musical partnership with guitarist Emily Roberts, contributing to several of her original projects. He appears on her 2022 EP Persistence of Memory and performed alongside her and indie band The Last Dinner Party at Roundhouse in early 2025.
Alongside his jazz career, Harry has maintained a strong grounding in classical music, studying with Andrew Wilson at Chetham’s. In January 2017, he competed in the school’s Concerto Finals performing John Williams’ ‘Escapades’, winning the opportunity to perform the concerto to a sold-out audience at The Stoller Hall in April 2018.
An accomplished pianist as well as saxophonist, Harry won the Junior Championship at the Darlington Music Festival at the age of 12. At Chetham’s he studied with renowned pianist and conductor Jonathan Middleton, achieving Grade 8 Piano with high distinction. His achievements include participation in the Yamaha Music Competition and the Bösendorfer Competition, as well as third prize in Chetham’s J.S. Bach Competition and a high commendation in the school’s Chopin Competition.
Harry is currently focused on releasing his own project, Staithes, a nonet recording completed in September 2025. Blending classical textures with jazz improvisation, the project reflects the breadth of his musical influences and compositional voice. Plans are underway for a tour following the album’s release, showcasing Harry’s distinctive approach to both jazz and contemporary classical music.