From Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, from the Jazz Bakery to Birdland, internationally renowned concert, jazz and recording artist Richard Todd has earned acclaim as one of the finest horn soloists today. Gold medal winner of the 1980 Concours Internationale Toulon, he is a Pro Musicis International Foundation Award winner and is continually expanding the boundaries of the horn world. Todd has performed under the batons of such luminaries as Bernstein, Guilini, Marriner, Abravanel, Ozawa, Previn, Rilling and Schuller. His performances are described as “simply startling in their dexterity” and he is praised for his “heart-clutching sound.”

Equally at home in all styles, Richard breaks down the barriers of music. As a classical artist, his rigorous schedule includes recitals and solo engagements across North America, work in the film industry (he has over 1,000 motion picture soundtracks to his credit) and recording projects with many top artists. Richard is also principal horn of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, of which he has been a frequent soloist and member since 1980. He has appeared as guest soloist with orchestras in the United States and abroad. In 2006, he performed at the Sydney Opera House on a concert tour of Australia. He has also made numerous festival appearances worldwide. As a jazz artist, he has appeared in concerts and recordings with today’s best musicians. He is the only horn soloist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Sydney Opera House and Walt Disney Concert Hall, receiving standing ovations at all venues.

Richard’s recordings showcase his versatility. He made two CDs with Andre Previn and Gunther Schuller personally selected Todd to record his Concerto No. 1 for Horn and Orchestra with the Saarbrucken Radio Orchestra. Richard’s solo albums, New Ideas (a crossover album of both classical and jazz) and Rickterscale, prompted him to step into the spotlight as a “star among jazz hornists.” More recently, he recorded an album entitled Horn Sonatas of Three Centuries; a jazz album, With A Twist; and Craig Russell’s Rhapsody for Horn and Orchestra with the San Luis Obispo Symphony, commissioned by that orchestra specifically for him.

Deeply committed to music education, Richard was among the most sought-after teachers on the faculty at USC and the Henry Mancini Institute. He has also taught at UCLA, CalArts, and the Chatauqua and Bowdoin music festivals. He is also currently guest faculty at Indiana University. Richard believes in music as an important form of communication and works to expand the horizons of all audiences. He has performed in hospitals, shelters, retirement homes and prisons.

Richard is in constant demand as a lecturer and clinician. As a spokesperson and consultant for Hans Hoyer Horns, he assists in the development of horn and mouthpiece designs.

http://www.richardtoddmusic.com/index.html

photo Michael Burke