Downing alum awarded Associateship of Royal Academy of Music
The College congratulates Downing alumnus Harry Bradford (Music, 2014) on being awarded the prestigious Associateship of the Royal Academy of Music.
Harry was a conspicuous presence on the University music scene during his time here, singing with the choirs of Downing, Jesus, and later King’s College (under the late Sir Stephen Cleobury). He is now in demand as a choral director across the UK and Europe, collaborating with a number of the world’s finest vocal ensembles, including the MDR Rundfunkchor, the Eric Ericsons Kammarkör, the Sixteen, and the Swedish Radio Choir. He is conductor and co-founder of professional vocal ensemble Recordare, with whom he has performed extensively across festivals in the UK.
After Downing, Harry went on to study Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music with Professor Patrick Russill, graduating with distinction, a DipRAM, and the Academy Alumni Award for ‘a singularly distinguished studentship’. During his time at the Academy, Harry was also the Genesis Sixteen conducting scholar (2018-19), studying under Harry Christophers and Eamonn Dougan, and the Alec Robertson scholar at Westminster Cathedral.
He remains active as a singer and recently performed as part of the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal at the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Every year, the Academy confers Associate Honours on former students to recognise and celebrate their significant contributions to the musical landscape.
Downing’s Acting Director of College & Chapel Music, and Director of Studies in Music, Louisa Denby, said, “I have known Harry since his teenage years, and have taken great pleasure in watching him develop into the consummate musician he is today. I’m so pleased and proud that his hard work and dedication have been recognised in this way.”
Published 1 February 2024