The music of Robert J. Bradshaw (1970) has been described as “contemporary work that is accessible to a variety of audiences”, and is frequently heard around the world, from Lincoln Center to Singapore. Sought for a wide variety of commissions, Mr. Bradshaw strives to forge a unique connection between composer, musicians and audiences. Peter Stickel, Executive Director of the New England String Ensemble, writes of Mr. Bradshaw’s collaboration: “His insight…into the creative process of composition was stunning and transforming for each audience with whom he worked. He was an inspiration to students and professionals alike.”
2007-2008 Concert Season: (selected events)
COMPETITION: Winner of the 2007 Alabama Orchestra Association Composition Competition for “Fox’s Tail”.
PREMIERE: “Cantate Domino” performed by the United Parish Church Choir and Bala Brass; “Concerto” performed by soloists throughout the world (see Concerto Premiere Project); “Ibsenism” performed by Brian Utley (sop. sax.) and Ron Petti (pno).
DISCOGRAPHY: Sonatina No. 4 “Ibsenism” recorded by Ismael Betancor (trumpet) and José Luis Castillo (piano) and Sonatina No. 1 “Op cit” recorded by Monica Dunca (clarinet) and Michael Monroe (piano) on Awaiting the Sun: Collaboration I, Beauport Classical (BC1702); Fantasy No. 3 “Softly Calling” recorded by Lynn Shane (soprano), Ivan Stefanov (flute) and Juli Miller (harp) on In Concert I: Composers in Collaboration, Beauport Classical (BC2701); “Quem vidistis, pastores?” recorded by the Prague Radio Symphony & the National Opera Choir
2006-2007 Concert Season: (selected events)
COMMISSION: “Notes for Buddy” - Eric M. Berlin for trumpet and piano; “Ipswich to Ipswich” - Ipswich to Ipswich Celebration (MA) for concert band
PREMIERE: “Courage of the Olympian” performed by the University of Connecticut Wind Ensemble, Middle Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble, Bala Brass Quintet, Flint Symphony Brass Quintet; “Ipswich to Ipswich” performed by the Ipswich High School Concert Band
DISCOGRAPHY: “Sonata No. 1” recorded by Eric Berlin (trumpet) and Nadine Shank (piano) on End of the Matter: Premieres for Trumpet, MSR Classics; “Statements, Commanding” recorded by Dr. Peter Wood (trumpet), Michele Grossman (piano), Joe Shufro (cello) on Commanding Statements, MSR Classics; “Statements, Commanding” recorded by Trio Chromos on Trumpet Colors, Crystal Records; “Until Then” recorded by the Phil Swanson Trio on The Song Endures, MSR Jazz
ADJUDICATOR: ASCAP/SCI Student Composition Commission, Region VI
2005-2006 Concert Season: (selected events)
COMPETITION: Winner of the 2005 Manchester Music Festival Composition Competition for “Articles Nor’east”, for string orchestra.
COMMISSION: “Shorescape” - 26th Annual James Pappoutsakis Flute Competition, for flute and piano; “Transformations” - Adam Porter, for solo tuba; “Fanfare” - Ipswich Music, Art and Drama Association (IMADA), for concert band.
PREMIERE: "Tituba! voices in the dark" performed by the Washburn University String Orchestra, Washburn University Women's Chorus & Fetter String Quartet; “Countryman’s Flock” performed by the University of Connecticut Wind Ensemble, Middle Tennessee State University Chamber Winds; “Arboretum” performed by Eric Berlin (tpt), Rebecca Wilt (pno) and the Rowan University Faculty Woodwind Quintet
DISCOGRAPHY: "Sonata No. 1" recorded by Dr. Paul M. Neebe (trumpet) and the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra on American Trumpet Concertos, Albany Records; “Sonata” and “A Sunday Excursion” recorded by James Ackley (trumpet) and Elena Kaßmann (piano) on Recital Music for Trumpet, Claronade Records; “Ozymandias” recorded by Jean-Christophe Dobrzelewski on Tryptich Renewal; “Arboretum” recorded by Richard Steolzel on Spirit of the Place.
2004-2005 Concert Season: (selected events)
COMMISSION: "Articles Nor’east: on six New England Scenes" - New England String Ensemble for the New England Musical Heritage Initiative, for string orchestra; “Fox and Countryman” - Melrose Symphony Orchestra, "Right Then. Same Time Tomorrow?" - Bala Brass Quintet for the 2005 New York Brass Conference and 2005 International Trumpet Guild Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, where Mr. Bradshaw was also invited to participate on Eric Ewazen's panel discussion on composing for trumpet in the 21st Century; “If I Have Seen Further…” - Salem Winds, for the Salem State College Sesquicentennial Anniversary Celebration, for wind ensemble.
DISCOGRAPHY: "Out of the Quiet" for trumpet and percussion, written for and recorded by Ivano Ascari, Professor of Trumpet at Riva del Garda State Conservatory of Music in Italy, released on his fifth CD: IVANO ASCARI 5, Nuove Musiche per Tromba.
2003-2004 Concert Season: (selected events)
COMMISSION: "He Lived for Others: A Story in Music and Movement of a Pioneer and the Building of Our Nation, John ‘Johnny Appleseed’ Chapman" - American String Teachers Association with NSOA and premiered by ensembles throughout Massachusetts, Alabama and Louisiana.
PREMIERE: "Sonata for trumpet and strings (or piano)" performed by a consortium of soloists throughout the United States of America, South America, England, Scotland, Ireland, Singapore and China. The project culminated with a performance at the 2004 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Denver, Colorado by Professor James Ackley from the University of Connecticut and collaborative pianist Rebecca Wilt. The world premiere performance was held in Menomonie, Wisconsin by the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra, Keith Thompson soloist, on November 16, 2003.
HONOR/AWARD: Mr. Bradshaw and his work were featured in "The Art of Perseverance: Charting a Career in Music" presented by the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, May 2004.
Mr. Bradshaw’s compositions and projects have received awards and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Music Center, American Composers Forum, Harvard Musical Association, Harpley Foundation, Argosy Foundation, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Mr. Bradshaw is a member of Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Society of Composers Inc., National Association of Composers, American Music Center, the American Composers Forum and is listed by Meet the Composer. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned degrees in Composition (M.M.), Theory/Composition (B.M.) and a Performance Certificate in Trumpet, his works are available through Beauport Press Music Publications (www.beauportpress.com). Mr. Bradshaw resides in Gloucester, Massachusetts with his wife, Lori and their children, Reid and Sarah.