ABOUT
Born in Dublin and based in New York City, violinist Gregory Harrington is redefining the classical virtuoso for the 21st century. His unique ability to transform popular jazz, rock and pop music into brand new violin concert pieces has enthralled audiences around the world. As noted by critics, Mr. Harrington juxtaposes Bach and Bob Dylan, Beethoven and Leonard Cohen, Radiohead and Johnny Cash to staggering effect. As a performer/arranger with orchestra or his performing groups, Harrington’s cross-cultural and wide-reaching appeal has brought him to perform for Presidents and Vice Presidents, celebrities, heads of state, the United Nations and millions of music fans around the globe.
In 2006 he founded a record label, Estile Records, having released 3 critically acclaimed albums to date. On stage, his transcriptions of iconic songwriters, classical masterworks and film score greats have all received acclaim in performance and on recordings. His fourth album Without You, will be released in June 2019 and comprises 11 emotionally charged tracks of reimagined pop and jazz love songs for jazz quartet. In 2020, he will release a recording of Philip Glass’ music with the Janacek Philharmonic and conductor Mark Shapiro. This CD will include his own arrangement of the “Hours Suite” (based on the Oscar nominated score) and the Violin Concerto No. 2 "American Four Seasons”.
Today, Harrington is one of Ireland's most recognized artists, having performed all over the world as soloist with many orchestras such as the San Diego Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Mexico City Philharmonic, RTE Concert Orchestra and the Janacek Philharmonic under Thomas Wilkins, Robert Houlihan, Mariusz Smolij and Mark Shapiro amongst others. He was invited by NBC LIVE to open the St Patrick's Day Parade on 5th Avenue in New York and has performed anthems for iconic sports teams including the Green Bay Packers to at Lambeau Field and the Irish Rugby team at Soldier Field.
He performs on a 2007 Stefan-Peter Greiner violin. More
The Glass Ceiling Project
Gregory Harrington is a musician ceaselessly in pursuit of bringing popular music free from constraints and with a wide-reaching appeal to a classical audience. His unique ability to transform popular jazz, rock and pop music into brand new violin concert pieces along with his interpretations of the classical repertoire has enthralled audiences and critics around the world. His all-encompassing approach has also led him to collaborate as soloist and conductor with string orchestras and ensembles incorporating his unique arrangements and transcriptions of iconic songs, standards and movie scores. From his upcoming recording "The Glass Ceiling” with Mark Shapiro and the Janacek Filharmonic, this special project will incorporate the release and premiere of his new arrangement and recording of the "The Hours Suite" by Philip Glass for soloist and string orchestra in the 20/21 season.
From a vast array of string repertoire from Piazzolla's and Vivadi's "Four Seasons" to Philip Glass' Violin Concerto No. 2 ”American Four Seasons", Harrington weaves a narrative between pieces that takes the listener through his unique arrangements of standards, jazz and film scores in a unique program that tells a story from Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo ala Turk" to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye" to Glen Hansard's "Falling Slowly", the sensuous bossa nova sounds of "Besame Mucho" to iconic movie scores "Cinema Paradiso" and "Schindler's List" with themed programs that are crafted for Summer Pops, Valentines, Movie Score evenings and much more.
"Gregory Harrington’s lovingly calibrated and scrupulously executed approach to his popular and cinematic repertoire (including works by Leonard Cohen, Dave Brubeck, and Philip Glass) makes for a thoroughly engaging concert experience. The combination of his smolderingly charismatic platform presence and his distinctively personal sound allow him to make a connection with the audience that is as potent as it is immediate.”
-Mark Shapiro
-Mark Shapiro
Music Director, The Prince Edward Island Symphony and The Cecilia Chorus of New York
“Working with Greg was a true pleasure. He brings to the orchestral repertoire a fresh breath of quality arrangements of music that the audience is really looking forward to experience live. A very important addition to the standard library and old forms of presentation. Highly recommended!”
-Mariusz Smoli
-Mariusz Smoli
Music Director of Acadiana Symphony, LA, Riverside Symphonia, NJ and Artistic Director of Toruń Symphony Orchestra in Poland.
“Gregory was a delight to work with and made an instant connection with our audience, who absolutely loved him! Gregory’s PR material was exceptional and, therefore, was featured on the cover of the Erie Times. This feature placement is highly coveted PR real estate, and was advantageous in drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.”
-Frank Collura
Music Director and founder of the Pennsylvania Chamber Symphony and the Young Artists Debut Orchestra
"Gregory Harrington’s connection to his music resonates with his audience. As they are pulled in through his powerful renditions, Harrington tells a story of passion and confidence. He has an inviting personality both on and off stage which makes him a pleasure to work with."
-Dana P. Baker | Executive Director Acadia Symphony Orchestra
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