Joel Miller

Island Jazz and the UPEI Music Department present saxophonist Joel Miller in concert with Resonance New Music and Silvio Pupo, celebrating the release of their new album What If? The concert takes place at UPEI’s Steel Recital Hall on November 15 at 7:30 pm.

Miller’s latest album What If? is a classical crossover collaboration with pianist Silvio Pupo and the Resonance New Music ensemble. Distributed by Leaf Music, the album features original compositions alongside reimagined works by Debussy, Chopin, Mahler, and Pachelbel, tracing Miller’s personal journey through jazz, Afro-Latin influences, and classical. Inspired by his partner Mel’s idea of “the & space”—a concept where jazz and classical traditions coexist rather than compete—What If? imagines a musical world where genres meet in harmony. What if jazz and classical could simply be “This and That,” instead of “This vs. That?” This album is a hopeful offering: a version of how things can be. What if?

An award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Fredericton, NB, Miller studied Jazz Performance at McGill University and has performed with artists including Geoffrey Keezer, Brian Blade, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. His career highlights include a JUNO Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, multiple ECMA Awards, and international workshops exploring the intersection of jazz and contemporary music.

Led by bassist Andrew Reed Miller, Resonance New Music Ensemble is a NB–based group dedicated to experimental, improvised, and contemporary classical music. Supported by the non-profit Motion Ensemble, Inc., the group has premiered nearly 100 works by Canadian and international composers.

Cuban-born pianist Silvio Pupo, based in Moncton, NB, studied classical piano in Holguín before relocating to Atlantic Canada in 2009. Known for his dynamic blend of classical and Latin jazz, he has recorded and toured with Ben Caplan and Alfie Zappacosta, earning recognition for his versatility, charisma, and regular performances at The Local in Halifax.

Advance tickets are available at locarius.io. Follow @Island Jazz PEI on Facebook for updates.