In August 2027, the Eugene Rousseau Foundation will launch the inaugural Eugene Rousseau International Saxophone Competition (Rousseau ISC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Designed for elite saxophonists under the age of 30, this event will be the first international saxophone competition held in the United States. Honoring the legacy of Dr. Eugene Rousseau—renowned performer, educator, and advocate for the instrument—the competition aims to promote artistic excellence, support emerging talent, and advance the saxophone’s role in contemporary performance.

By bringing international performers together, the event encourages cultural exchange, professional growth, and a shared commitment to the highest standards of musicianship. Through this initiative, the Eugene Rousseau Foundation reaffirms its dedication to fostering the next generation of saxophonists and sustaining the values that defined Dr. Rousseau’s influential career.