Gerard McChrystal comes from Derry, N.Ireland. Initially self-taught, he studied at the RNCM, Manchester, Guildhall School, London and Northwestern University, Chicago. His career has essentially been project driven which has led to collaborations and performances with Philip Glass, The Soweto String Quartet, Tommy Smith, guitarist Craig Ogden, The Smith Quartet, Saxtet, pianist Simon Mulligan, Rambert Dance Co., Fidget Feet, Ensemble Bash, economist Charles Handy and Anuna in countries including USA, South Africa, Indonesia, Korea, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Gerard has made concerto CDs with BBCNOW, Ulster Orchestra and London Musici. Albums include Meeting Point (1996) and Aria (2011). He has performed in over 30 countries. Venues include San Francisco Opera House, Baku Opera House, Azerbaijan and the Royal Albert Hall, London.
He is Professor of saxophone at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London and was invited to be an ambassador for Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013. He has served on the jury of the Royal Overseas Competition, London and the Adolphe Sax International Saxophone Competition, Dinant .
His album Aria was chosen by Classic FM as one of the best classical releases of 2011 and was also CD of the Week on RTE Lyric FM. In 2012 he will tour to Milan, Paris and Frankfurt with the Orchestra of La Scala/Daniel Barenboim and to China with BBCNOW. Gerard will premiere Joe Cutler’s new work for saxophone and loop station at The Three Choirs Festival in Hereford Cathedral.