Abraham Mennen studied at the Royal College of Music in London under Kyle Horch, with the support of the Jane Melber and Michael West scholarship, graduating with a First Class Honours.

He won the RCM Concerto Competition in 2010 and in 2011 the June Emerson Woodwind Ensemble Prize as member of the Kudo Saxophone Quartet. During his studies in London he was a member of the London Saxophone Ensemble which performed at the World Saxophone Congress 2009, at UNESCO Bangkok, and the Roundhouse Music Collective, being recorded by Nick Mason (Pink Floyd).

He has performed with ensembles such as the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Great Britain and the London Contemporary Orchestra, and attended master classes by international artists including Claude Delangle, Arno Bornkamp, Frederick Hemke and Vincent David in both London and Europe. Abraham has premiered and recorded new works by several composers and actively pursues the expansion of the saxophone repertoire.

Training : ABRSM Diploma 2005 / Université Européenne de Saxophone 2008 / Université Européenne de Saxophone 2010 / BMus Royal College of Music 2011.

Master classes: Claude Delangle / Arno Bornkamp / Frederick Hemke / Nobuya Sugawa / Vincent David / Marcus Weiss / Jean-Denis Michat / Damien Royannais / Otis Murphy / Christian Wirth / Julien Petit / Masatak Hirano / Claus Olesen / Alexander Doisy / Philippe Braquart / James Houlik / Calefax Quintet / Aurelia Quartet / Habenera Quartet.

Prizes : 
2004 - Silver Medalist and Woodwind Category Winner, ABSA National Youth Music Competition / Best Interpretation of a South African work, ATKV Muziq
2006 - Justine Armstrong Award, Pretoria Boys High School
2009 - Highly Commended, Royal College of Music Jane Melber Award
2010 - Winner Concerto Competition, Royal College of Music, London
2011 - Runner-Up, Royal College of Music Jane Melber Award / June Emerson Woodwind Ensemble Prize, Royal College of Music / Overall Winner and Woodwind Category Winner, ATKV Muziq

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This listing is sponsored by the ATKV (Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging) . Published 21 November 2011.