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PRESS

(2024)

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BROADWAY WORLD (PHILADELPHIA)

PHOTOS: TEA & SYMPHONY AT THE POCONO MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL

... Dr. Hardy's virtuosic arrangements and passionate solo violin performances of Astor Piazzolla’s "Oblivion" and Bizet's "Habanera" (Carmen), were also highlights. The concert concluded with a remarkable rendition of Flaherty/Ahrens's “Make Them Hear You” (from the musical Ragtime), performed by Bullock, Mack, Sutton, Walker, and Dr. Hardy.

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OUR SONG, OUR STORY: THE NEW GENERATION OF BLACK VOICES

Created and directed by composer, conductor, and multi-genre musician Damien Sneed, this powerful program symbolically passes the torch to two of today’s most exciting operatic voices, Justin Austin and Brandie Inez Sutton, and features works by African American composers past and present... Griot String Quartet: Edward W. Hardy

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DAMIEN SNEED, BRANDIE SUTTON, JUSTIN AUSTIN, AND THE GRIOT STRING QUARTET PERFORM AT CARAMOOR TOMORROW

Created and directed by composer, conductor, and multi-genre musician Damien Sneed, this powerful program symbolically passes the torch to two of today’s most exciting operatic voices, Justin Austin and Brandie Inez Sutton, and features works by African American composers past and present... Griot String Quartet: Edward W. Hardy

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BROADWAY WORLD (CLASSICAL MUSIC)

DAMIEN SNEED, BRANDIE SUTTON, JUSTIN AUSTIN, AND THE GRIOT STRING QUARTET PERFORM AT CARAMOOR TOMORROW

Dr. Hardy says, "After a 2022-2023 United States tour and a 2023 recording of Damien Sneed's second full project for Apple Music on Platoon, I am honored and privileged to be a part of this beautiful family reunion at Caramoor! This performance of memorable and beautiful musical stories will be a truly unique experience for the Katonah community. Collaborating with Damien, Brandie, Justin, and the Griot String Quartet is always a life-changing experience, and I can't wait to share the stage with my inspirational friends and musical influences."

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MONROE COUNTY PA

TEA & SYMPHONY - AN ELEGANT TEA & CLASSICAL MUSIC AFTERNOON AT POCONO MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The experience will be made unforgettable with a live performance by violinist Dr. Edward W. Hardy, soprano Brandie Inez Sutton, tenor Robert Mack, baritone Phillip Bullock, and pianist Kyle P. Walker. These classical and opera selections flawlessly complement this sophisticated afternoon.

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BROADWAY WORLD (PHILADELPHIA)

TEA & SYMPHONY - AN ELEGANT TEA & CLASSICAL MUSIC AFTERNOON AT POCONO MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The experience will be made unforgettable with a live performance by violinist Dr. Edward W. Hardy, soprano Brandie Inez Sutton, tenor Robert Mack, baritone Phillip Bullock, and pianist Kyle P. Walker. These classical and opera selections flawlessly complement this sophisticated afternoon.

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TEA & SYMPHONY - AN ELEGANT TEA & CLASSICAL MUSIC AFTERNOON AT POCONO MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The experience will be made unforgettable with a live performance by violinist Dr. Edward W. Hardy, soprano Brandie Inez Sutton, tenor Robert Mack, baritone Phillip Bullock, and pianist Kyle P. Walker. These classical and opera selections flawlessly complement this sophisticated afternoon.

POCONO MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL

OUR 2024 SEASON ARTISTS + STAFF

Dr. Hardy has research in non-traditional string techniques and beyond his history of premiering contemporary works, his dissertation, "A Compendium of Three Musical Works Inspired by the African American Experience: Recordings, Commentary, and Pedagogical Observations," and his children’s coloring book, “Color the Legacy: A Coloring Book of African American Cultural Pioneers” was published this summer.

HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS

CARNEGIE HALL CITYWIDE: TANIA LEÓN AND THE HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS

The concert is conducted and hosted Carnegie Hall’s 2023–2024 Debs Composer’s Chair, Tania León—a composer, educator, conductor, advocate, and icon who has been a singular force in New York City’s arts and culture since the 1960s... THE ORCHESTRA VIOLINS: Ashley Horne, Claire Chan, Lady Jess, Ellen Gronningen, Chala Yancy, Gloria Lee, Edward W. Hardy...

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CARNEGIE HALL CITYWIDE: TANIA LEÓN AND THE HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS

The concert is conducted and hosted Carnegie Hall’s 2023–2024 Debs Composer’s Chair, Tania León—a composer, educator, conductor, advocate, and icon who has been a singular force in New York City’s arts and culture since the 1960s... THE ORCHESTRA VIOLINS: Ashley Horne, Claire Chan, Lady Jess, Ellen Gronningen, Chala Yancy, Gloria Lee, Edward W. Hardy...

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CARNEGIE HALL CITYWIDE: TANIA LEÓN AND THE HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS

The concert is conducted and hosted Carnegie Hall’s 2023–2024 Debs Composer’s Chair, Tania León—a composer, educator, conductor, advocate, and icon who has been a singular force in New York City’s arts and culture since the 1960s... THE ORCHESTRA VIOLINS: Ashley Horne, Claire Chan, Lady Jess, Ellen Gronningen, Chala Yancy, Gloria Lee, Edward W. Hardy...

UNCOPEN (DISSERTATIONS)

A COMPENDIUM OF THREE MUSICAL WORKS INSPIRED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: RECORDINGS, COMMENTARY, AND PEDAGOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

From the perspective of a classical composer-violinist, I created musical portraits that reflect America's pre-civil rights oppression, the celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, and the landscape of political, social, and economic experiences. This dissertation can also serve as a tool for various individuals: fellow violinists seeking modern techniques that bridge classical music to popular music, composers in search of original compositions responding to our current times, and storytellers seeking an understanding of how music can be composed using literature as a structure.

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BROADWAY WORLD (CLASSICAL MUSIC)

EDWARD W. HARDY RELEASES A COMPENDIUM OF WORKS FOR JUNETEENTH

Dr. Hardy, a recent DownBeat award-winning graduate from the University of Northern Colorado, expressed his enthusiasm: "I am so excited to share my work and ideas with you! I hope you and your beautiful family and friends enjoy my dissertation, the coloring book, and my recordings of my original music: Evolution for solo violin, Strange Fruit for string quartet, and my song cycle Born Free for voice, violin, and piano! I included my new children's coloring book in the download to give kids something to do while parents and guardians are reading my paper. And the best part: this download is offered as a pay-what-you-want option! While you can download everything for free, your financial support at any tier is greatly appreciated."

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LIBRATED ARTIST COLLECTIVE

DR. EDWARD W. HARDY

Dr. Edward W. Hardy, a celebrated Black and Puerto Rican composer, music director, and virtuoso violinist, commands attention with his unparalleled talent in solo violin repertoire for theatrical productions. Earning acclaim as one of the youngest composers admitted to the Exploring the Metropolis Con Edison Composer Residency at just 25, Hardy's artistry has garnered praise from prestigious outlets like The New York Times and The Post and Courier, lauding his mesmerizing performances characterized by vigor, control, and expressiveness.

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DC THEATER ARTS

HILARIOUS SELF-EXAMINATION IN ‘LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES’ OFF-BROADWAY AT AUDIBLE’S MINETTA LANE THEATRE
(REVIEW)

The revealing show, directed by Annie Tippe, traces the path of Benanti’s personal life and career through no-holds-barred language, self-deprecating humor, and songs, as she reflects, in direct address to the audience, on the mistakes she made as a “people pleaser” and how she was taunted by the inner demons of her mind (here represented by the voices of back-up singers Barrie Lobo McLain and Chelsea Lee Williams and the band of Almond on piano, Clayton Craddock on drums, Edward W. Hardy on violin, Ann Klein on guitar, Catherine Popper on bass, and Daniel A. Weiss on guitar and keys).

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DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE, KENNY GARRETT & SVOY MARIA SCHNEIDER’S 30-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE, 47TH ANNUAL DOWNBEAT STUDENT MUSIC AWARDS, JUNE 2024 VOLUME 91, NUMBER 6

Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist, Graduate College Outstanding Performance Edward W. Hardy, Violin Jubal Fulks, Professor. Compositions & Arranging: Original Composition, Large Ensemble Graduate College Outstanding Composition David Bernot, "Lonesome Log" Drew Zaremba, Professor. Jazz Arrangement Graduate College Winner - Small Ensemble Tau Ham Ken Kuo, "East of the Sun" Drew Zaremba, Professor Jazz Arrangement Graduate College Outstanding Arrangement - Studio Composition Jared Cathey, "Chime" Drew Zaremba, Professor...

Nobody Cares, Laura Benanti, Todd Almond, Daniel A. Weiss, Dr. Edward W. Hardy, Dominic Fr

BROADWAY WORLD (OFF-BROADWAY)

SPOTLIGHT: LAURA BENANTI AT MINETTA LANE THEATRE

Be part of the live audience as the Broadway legend debuts all-new music, created with music director Todd Almond, and shares her hilariously bumpy journey from ingenue to recovering ingenue. Annie Tippe directs. Joining Laura onstage as her “Inner Demons” are Barrie Mclain and Chelsea Lee Williams (vocalists), with Todd Almond (music director) and band members Carl Carter (bass), Clayton Craddock (drums), Edward W. Hardy (violin), Ann Klein (guitar), and Daniel A. Weiss (keyboards/guitar).

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HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS

MUSICIANS - THE HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS IS A COLLECTIVE OF PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS OF ALL RACES.

In 2024, Dr. Hardy performed as a solo violinist, composer, and arranger in The Met's Soloist Superstar Series, "Date Night at The Met With Edward W. Hardy," as a solo violinist and chamber musician in "The Music of Sho Kuon" at Carnegie Hall, as a substitute concertmaster for "Gun & Powder The Musical," and as the violinist in Laura Benanti’s one-woman show, "Nobody Cares."

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OPENING NIGHT REVIEWS

LAURA BENANTI AT THE MINETTA LANE THEATER
(REVIEW)

...Her vocal range is astonishing and her voice crystal clear. To top it all off she is intelligent and funny. She is so funny that her band and backup singers laugh at her jokes. Joining Laura onstage as her “Inner Demons” are Barrie McLain and Chelsea Lee Williams (vocalists), with Todd Almond (music director) and band members Carl Carter (bass), Clayton Craddock (drums), Edward W. Hardy (violin), Ann Klein (guitar), and Daniel A. Weiss (keyboards/guitar).

Nobody Cares, Laura Benanti, Todd Almond, Daniel A. Weiss, Dr. Edward W. Hardy, Dominic Fr

THE FRONT ROW CENTER

LAURA BENANTI ~ NOBODY CARES (REVIEW)

...Her vocal range is astonishing and her voice crystal clear. To top it all off she is intelligent and funny. She is so funny that her band and backup singers laugh at her jokes. Joining Laura onstage as her “Inner Demons” are Barrie McLain and Chelsea Lee Williams (vocalists), with Todd Almond (music director) and band members Carl Carter (bass), Clayton Craddock (drums), Edward W. Hardy (violin), Ann Klein (guitar), and Daniel A. Weiss (keyboards/guitar).

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PATCH (NEIGHBOR NEWS)

EDWARD W. HARDY & UNC JAZZ TAKE HOME 7 DOWNBEAT STUDENT MUSIC AWARDS

In this year's edition, recent graduate Dr. Edward W. Hardy and the Jazz Studies Department at the University of Northern Colorado clinched seven prestigious honors in the magazine's 47th Annual student competition... As posted on BroadwayWorld, Dr. Edward W. Hardy says, “Winning the Graduate College Outstanding Performance Award in the Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist category for my rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” and my signature...

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PHOTOS: LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES OPENS AT THE MINETTA LANE THEATRE

Joining Laura onstage as her “Inner Demons” are Barrie Mclain and Chelsea Lee Williams (vocalists), with Todd Almond (music director) and band members Carl Carter (bass), Clayton Craddock (drums), Edward W. Hardy (violin), Ann Klein (guitar), and Daniel A. Weiss (keyboards/guitar)... Laura Benanti and Edward W. Hardy.

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REVIEW ROUNDUP: LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES OPENS AT THE MINETTA LANE THEATRE (REVIEW)

Tony Award-winning performer Laura Benanti is bringing her new comedy show back to the Minetta Lane Theatre. Be part of the live audience as the Broadway legend debuts all-new music, created with music director Todd Almond, and shares her hilariously bumpy journey from ingenue to recovering ingenue. Annie Tippe directs. Joining Laura onstage as her “Inner Demons” are Barrie Mclain and Chelsea Lee Williams (vocalists), with Todd Almond (music director) and band members Carl Carter (bass), Clayton Craddock (drums), Edward W. Hardy (violin), Ann Klein (guitar), and Daniel A. Weiss (keyboards/guitar).

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BROADWAY WORLD (DENVER)

EDWARD W. HARDY & UNC JAZZ WINS 7 PRESTIGIOUS DOWNBEAT STUDENT MUSIC AWARDS (INTERVIEW)

Dr. Hardy says, "Winning the Graduate College Outstanding Performance Award in the Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist category for my rendition of "Tennessee Whiskey" and my signature piece "Evolution" is a tremendous honor and a beautiful addition to my streak of milestones this year. This is my first Jazz award and I'm incredibly proud to represent my violin teacher, Dr. Jubal Fulks, and the University of Northern Colorado's classical and jazz departments. Congratulations to the other students and faculty in the Jazz Studies department on representing UNC!" Below is more information about the competition and the UNC recipients.

LAURA BENANTI'S SOLO SHOW NOBODY CARES RETURNS OFF-BROADWAY MAY 9

The Tony winner's solo comedy, which played three nights only at Audible's Minetta Lane Theatre earlier this year, has returned to the venue for three weeks... Joining Laura onstage as her “Inner Demons” are vocalists Barrie Lobo McLain and Chelsea Lee Williams. Todd Almond music directs the band, comprising Catherine Popper on bass, Clayton Craddock on drums, Edward W. Hardy on violin, Ann Klein on guitar, and Daniel A. Weiss on keyboards/guitar.

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PHOTOS: SEE THE MUSIC OF SHO KUON AT CARNEGIE HALL'S WEILL RECITAL HALL (REVIEW)

While each piece held significant meaning within Kuon’s musical and personal journeys, highlights included a mesmerizing performance of “Coexistence” by Kuon on piano and Dr. Edward W. Hardy on violin, a thrilling rendition of “In Summer” featuring Kuon, Hardy, Keita Ogawa on percussion, and Greg Pattillo on flute, and the celebratory “Japanese festival (MATSURI)” that involved every performer on stage and in the audience.

Andy Feinstein and Dr. Edward W. Hardy, May 3, 2024

COMMENCEMENT (UNC)

CLASS OF 2024 COMMENCEMENT, MAY 3 – 4, 2024

Hardy, Edward W., B.M., M.M. A Compendium of Three Musical Works Inspired by the African American Experience: Recordings, Commentary, and Pedagogical Observations.

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AROUND CAMPUS (UNC)

ACCLAIMED ARTIST AND PERFORMER REPRESENTS SPIRIT OF THE TIMES IN RACE-RELATED DISSERTATION (INTERVIEW)

April 18, 2024 — Edward W. Hardy's research includes analyzing his own original compositions inspired by the African American Experience.

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BROADWAY WORLD (CLASSICAL MUSIC)

SHO KUON, EDWARD W. HARDY, AND MORE WILL PERFORM IN THE MUSIC OF SHO KUON AT CARNEGIE HALL (INTERVIEW)

Among them, Dr. Hardy shares a few words and says, "I can't believe I will be living my dream of performing as a solo violinist and chamber musician at Carnegie Hall! I have always performed at Carnegie Hall within an orchestra, but now I have the honor of presenting the beautiful and emotional music of Sho Kuon alongside her, Yoshiaki Okawa, Yuko Tsuda, and with so many other phenomenal musicians, in one of the most prestigious venues in the world. Tuesday night's concert is going to be an incredible celebration of culture, love, nature, and life."

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11,000+ NYC STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN INTERACTIVE LINK UP CONCERTS AT CARNEGIE HALL THIS MAY

The concert program, hosted by 15-year-old Broadway actress Emiko Dunn, features Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser conducting the Link Up Orchestra—which includes current fellows and alums of Ensemble Connect and Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra of the USA and NYO2—and trumpeter Sean Jones leading the Link Up Big Band—made up of alums from Carnegie Hall's NYO Jazz—as well as other dynamic performers and music educators, including veteran musicians Bryan Hernandez-Luch, Dr. Edward W. Hardy, and Orlando Wells, all of whom reflect the vibrant makeup of New York City.