Clifton Joey Guidry, III
Radical self-love, compassion, laughter, and the drive to amplify Black art-makers and noise-makers comprise the core of Clifton Joey Guidry III’s work. The NYC bassoonist, composer, and activist excels in many spheres; the San Diego Tribune hails their performances as “lyrical and haunting…hair-raising and unsettling.” Clifton is not simply an acclaimed bassoonist, rather they are also a versatile improviser and a composer of experimental and daring new works that embody a deep love of storytelling. Clifton’s compositions channel their inner child, in honor of their ancestors and predecessors. In every aspect of their practice, Clifton seeks to support, hire, and promote Black artists. In support of this mandate, Clifton has spearheaded Sounds of the African Diaspora, a competition and commissioning platform for composers from the African diaspora. This new initiative ensures that composers from the diaspora have access to the space, resources, and time necessary to foster new, innovative music.
Clifton holds a bachelor’s degree in Bassoon Performance from the Peabody Conservatory and a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Mannes School of Music. They have attended and been featured by such prestigious festivals as the Spoleto Festival USA and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.