University News

WIU Alumnus' Journey to NYC Stage

March 12, 2024

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Unapologetically YOU! Western Illinois University alumnus Saul Nache is a Latinx, gay, dynamic and versatile music director, performer, teacher, composer and vocal coach based out of New York City.

Nache graduated from WIU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music focusing on Voice Performance. Born and raised in the Quad Cities area, Nache started his music journey at a young age.

"I was lucky to be involved in music from the early age of 10," Nache said. "I was part of the Moline Boys Choir and started piano lessons. I continued with both of those concentrations through junior high and high school, as well as adding percussion to the list of musical abilities. These experiences made it very clear that I needed to have a career in music, but I wasn't sure where I would land."

Nache recalls his music studies at WIU being the foundation of his singing, piano, artistry and development as a person.

"My amazing professors required discipline and a hard work ethic that I have been able to use through my studies in my graduate degree and into my professional development. I was a Music Business major for two years before I made strides in my vocal development, which changed the trajectory of my path. My professors helped to keep me on track and give me performing opportunities and I'm forever grateful for their care and guidance," Nache said.

His journey from student to professor to performer laid his path in a musical direction and positioned him in an important role in theater and performance.

"I was approached by a music theater composer, Truth Future Bachman, back in May 2023 to see if I was interested and available to perform in the World Premiere of Skyward," Nache said. "They had seen videos of my singing on Instagram and thought that I would be a great fit for their show in a role written for me and my voice. There would be two workshops on the material throughout the summer and then culminate in a world premiere performance at The Lincoln Center. I was honored and excited to get to bring this show and this role to life," Nache said. "The show and Truth's trilogy of musicals have trans and queer superheroes in a multiverse setting. I played the role of 'Scarlet Macaw'. In the plot, Macaw and his friends are migratory birds trying to escape the world that is on fire and along the way they meet a new rare bird who is transforming on stage as the characters talk about their experiences. His song, "When I Return" speaks to the longing for home, moving around from place to place to continue living the life I have dreamed of and also how my family and ancestors continue to fly with me wherever I go. The first time I sang through this song, I wept so hard that I couldn't continue singing. It moved me in a way that I have never experienced before. More than 300 people attended the performance at the David Rubenstein Atrium of The Lincoln Center, and the response was incredible!"

His plans for the future? He along with the cast plans to record the entire "Skyward, an Ending Elegy," taking the story to new heights. Additionally, Nache was recently featured in the first mention as a performer in PlayBill.

"It hasn't been easy, lots of hard work, finding my way through a new industry, but the skills and education that I received at my alma mater continue to help me show up in all of my projects," Nache said. "If you would like to watch the whole concert, you can watch it on YouTube by searching TRUTH FUTURE BACHMAN'S SKYWARD: AN ENDING ELEGY."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing