Brad Balliett

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Brad Balliett (Ian D. Donald)

New York City-based bassoonist and composer Brad Balliett is gaining a reputation for unusual and thought-provoking programming, performance and composition. As a bassoonist, Brad performs as a member of several groups around New York City, including The Declassified, Metropolis Ensemble, Signal, the Sinfonietta of Riverdale, Anthony Braxton's Trillium Orchestra and Ensemble ACJW, and is a founding member of The Declassified, DZ4 and the Deviant Septet.

Brad has appeared as principal bassoonist with the Hartford Symphony, Houston Symphony, American Ballet Theater, and the Wordless Music Orchestra, and has performed with the New York City Ballet, International Contemporary Ensemble, International Sejong Soloists, Sequitur, and Argento New Music Project. Devoted to expanding the bassoon's role in contemporary music, Brad performs frequently on the electric bassoon and has performed alongside Zakir Hussain and Miguel Zenon.

Raised in Massachusetts, Brad graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University in 2005, where he studied composition with Elliot Gyger and John Harbison. He completed a Master's degree in bassoon performance as a student of Benjamin Kamins at Rice University, and spent the following year playing bassoon in the Houston Symphony. A devoted teaching artist, Brad is a performer and teacher for Carnegie Hall's Musical Connections and the New York Philharmonic's School Partnership Program. Brad completed a fellowship through Carnegie Hall's program The Academy in 2009, through which led composition projects for students in the South Bronx. More information can be found at bradballiett.com.