Biography
Recognised by the esteemed Gramophone magazine as a “major talent”, Don J Cradd holds multiple degrees and years of experience in classical fields. Having begun his self taught training in pop guitar at the age of 11, he soon began to explore beyond the modernist trappings that were the prominent features of his teaching on classical music. Cradd’s career has been marked by many awards, grants and fellowships including a commission in by the Lincoln Philharmonic for his orchestral composition of ‘Brahms Aftertones’, performed when Cradd was only 19 years old. Cradd’s music has been widely performed in concert halls, theatre spaces, and even outdoor public venues!
To remark upon those fortunate enough to collaborate with Cradd would be to create a litany of responses. However, for the purposes of this biography the breadth of Cradd’s reach is important to note. Brahms, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Amadeus, have all been mastered through Cradd’s global tour. Audiences and critics alike marvel at the variety in his back catalogue. Works such as The Perfect Rhythm Concerto No 3 in B Flat, Chair Number 2 No 2, and Making Lis(z)ts are all highly regarded in the classical world, with Andrew Rieu once commenting “Cradd goes where no other classically trained musician dares, or understands”.
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Not to be restricted by one specific style Cradd seeks to take note of the canon whilst forging a blazing trail for the future generation of forward thinking musicians and composers.
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Born in modern day Huddersfield, England, Cradd moved across the country of England and Europe where he and his legendary practice nomadically reside. As well as being a gifted composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer, Cradd also plies his trade in pedagogy. Having refused Tenure at a New York conservatoire, Cradd prefers to teach through the act of living. Famous for his mantra “Do as I say, and as I do”, Cradd leads his students by example. The precision of his posture and the rhythm of his soul, (and a small inheritance of land), allows him to pursue a multitude of artistic endeavours in his practice.
He has been an active freelancer working across chamber groups, composition, teaching and musician, across Western and Eastern Europe for some time and is renowned for his improvisational flair and audience rapport.