Role

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Composer Conductor  

Birth

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March 25, 1975 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

 

David Braid is a Canadian composer and pianist who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1975, Braid began playing the piano at a young age and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He went on to study music at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1998. After completing his studies, Braid began to establish himself as a composer and performer. He released his first album, "David Braid Sextet: Vivid" in 2001, which received critical acclaim and helped to establish him as a rising star in the Canadian jazz scene. Braid continued to release albums throughout the early 2000s, including "The David Braid Sextet: Zhen" in 2003 and "David Braid: Spirit Dance" in 2005. In addition to his work as a jazz musician, Braid also began to explore classical composition. He studied with renowned composer John Beckwith and earned a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Toronto in 2005. Braid's classical compositions quickly gained recognition, and he was awarded the SOCAN Foundation's John Weinzweig Grand Prize for his work "Corona Divinae Misericordiae" in 2006. Braid's classical compositions are characterized by their intricate harmonies and use of unconventional instrumentation. He often incorporates elements of jazz and folk music into his compositions, creating a unique and eclectic sound. Some of his most notable works include "The North," a suite for piano and string quartet that explores the natural beauty of Canada's northern landscape, and "The Eternal Light," a choral work that sets texts from various religious traditions to music. Braid's work has been performed by a number of prominent musicians and ensembles, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the Gryphon Trio. He has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including saxophonist Mike Murley and vocalist Patricia O'Callaghan. In addition to his work as a composer, Braid is also an accomplished pianist. He has performed extensively throughout Canada and internationally, and has been praised for his virtuosic playing and improvisational skills. He has won numerous awards for his performances, including the National Jazz Award for Keyboardist of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Braid's contributions to the world of classical music have been widely recognized. In addition to his SOCAN Foundation award, he has received the Canada Council for the Arts' Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award for Excellence in Music and the K.M. Hunter Music Award. He was also named the University of Toronto's inaugural Jazz Artist in Residence in 2014. Despite his many accomplishments, Braid remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new avenues of expression. He continues to compose and perform, and his work is sure to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.

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