Experimentation & Improvisation

Bio

Radical self-love, compassion, laughter, and the drive to amplify Black artmakers and noisemakers comprise the core of bassoonist and composer Joy Guidry’s work. Their performances have been hailed by The San Diego Tribune as “lyrical and haunting…hair-raising and unsettling.” Joy was born in 1995 in Houston, Texas, into a creative family that played a big part in who they’ve become today. A versatile improviser and a composer of experimental, daring new works that embody a deep love of storytelling, Joy’s music channels their inner child in honor of their ancestors and predecessors. In addition, Joy seeks to support, hire, and promote Black artists in every aspect of their practice.

Joy 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 presented their original work at The Kitchen, Redcat, and have collaborated with the Dance Centre Kenya Ballet Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, and Alarm Will Sound. They have been commissioned by The National Sawdust, Long Beach Opera, JACK Quartet, and the I&I Foundation. They have been featured in prestigious festivals, including the La Biennale di Venezia, A’LARME Festival, Cologne Jazz Week, Spoleto Festival USA, and many more. In addition, Joy Guidry is the winner of the 2021 Berlin Prize for Young Artists. Joy Is currently playing on a Heckel Bassoon number 6101.

Source: guidrybassoon.com