Wise beyond his years, young Christopher Bradford leads a burgeoning career as a brilliant percussionist and composer, his gorgeous choral and orchestra works now recognized internationally. In our discussion today, we talk about the humanizing powers of artistic music that goes beyond being merely entertainment media. Chris was a dear friend of mine when I used to live in Salt Lake City. He was a quiet, studious colleague but we enjoyed geeking out over composers during our orchestra rehearsal breaks whilst attending school together. Eventually, I learned that he was a composer when I attended the premiere of his works “Songs of Innocence and Experience” at the University of Utah (for your reference, I’ve attached links to the performance below). By the end of that transcending performance, I was moved to the point of tears. I know you will enjoy our conversation today but I also encourage you to check out the attached links. His music may also change your life.

Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 2 with Leonard Bernstein:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdc5n562zZg

Christopher’s compositions:

https://www.barlowbradford.com/about

Songs of Innocence and Experience (Movements 1-4):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6xoKzQM4E4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTEcTE-LEP4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQTmJyREw2k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91K_REm5WyE

From Christopher Bradford Music channel on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RldMErzcHPw