Gabriel Piqué and The Moanin’ Frogs Win First Prize in Osaka
The Baylor School of Music is proud to share that The Moanin’ Frogs, a saxophone sextet that includes faculty member Gabriel Piqué, DMA, Assistant Professor of saxophone, has won the Menuhin Gold Prize at the 12th Osaka International Chamber Music Festa in Japan.
Held every three years, the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition & Festa features competitively selected groups from around the world. The Chamber Music Competition is restricted to string ensembles, but the Festa is open to all music genres and types of musical instruments. The Moanin’ Frogs were one of the 16 ensembles from 10 different countries that advanced to live rounds in Osaka, Japan, this month and was one of only two U.S. groups selected. The competition’s highest honor, the Menuhin Gold Prize, includes a cash award and a Grand Prix Concert Tour across Japan in 2028.
Prof. Piqué joined the Baylor University faculty as assistant professor of saxophone in Fall 2025. He is an internationally recognized performer, educator, and advocate for chamber music. The Moanin’ Frogs are widely known for their virtuosic artistry, theatrical energy, and innovative chamber music programming, featuring six different saxophones, from sopranino to bass. As the group’s alto saxophonist, Piqué shows exemplary skill as both soloist and ensemble performer. He also creates arrangements for saxophone ensembles, including “Johnny B. Goode,” which was featured in The Moanin’ Frogs’ Gold Prize-winning final round performance.
This international recognition reflects an extraordinary level of musicianship and creativity on a global stage. Our congratulations to Dr. Piqué and The Moanin’ Frogs! Livestream recordings from the competition are available on YouTubefor those who would like to watch the show.
The Moanin’ Frogs Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/themoaninfrogs/
Osaka Chamber Music Competition YouTube Streams:
https://youtube.com/@osakachambermusic/streams
More information about the competition:
https://jcmf.or.jp/12thcompetition-festa/en/
Please join us in congratulating Professor Gabriel Piqué and The Moanin’ Frogs on this remarkable international achievement representing Baylor University and the School of Music on the world stage.