Brady Zupansic is a composer, violinist, and aspiring orchestral conductor currently pursuing a degree in Violin Performance at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa. A passionate and dedicated musician, Brady blends expressive artistry with a deep commitment to improving both his performances and personal musicality.

At USF, Brady studies violin under the guidance of Dr. Christina Adams and performs with the University of South Florida Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Matthew Wardell. These experiences have fueled his passion for orchestral music and conducting, motivating him to pursue a career leading ensembles at the highest level.

While Brady’s primary career focus is orchestral conducting, he has a deep appreciation for the collaborative world of ballet, where music and dance come together to tell powerful stories. He is inspired by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev, who have used classical music to elevate the emotional narrative of ballet. Brady also admires the works of contemporary composers like Thomas Adès, particularly his ballet Dante, which utilizes intense drama and evocative soundscapes. Though ballet is a side interest for Brady, he values the artistic synergy between music and dance, especially in the context of conducting pit orchestras.

Before attending USF, Brady performed with the St. Augustine Orchestra for two seasons under the baton of Scott Gregg and was a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra for four seasons, where he honed his skills and collaborative artistry. During his time at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Brady held principal positions in both the school’s Symphony Orchestra and its nationally recognized Chamber Orchestra. He was also awarded Superior ratings by the Florida Orchestra Association for his performances in solos, chamber music, and conducting. His mentors at Douglas Anderson—Dr. Kenneth Williams, Don Zentz, Benjamin Gerrard, and Theodore Shistle—were instrumental in his development, providing guidance in orchestration, performance techniques, and leadership.

As a composer, Brady’s work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling and emotional expression. His orchestral piece Reminiscence captures the emotional complexities of high school, exploring themes of nostalgia, acceptance, and bittersweet endings. Brady collaborated with accomplished composers Bob Moore, Dr. Piotr Szewczyk, and Dr. Justin Giarrusso to refine the piece, gaining valuable insights into orchestration and engraving.

Brady is also an avid admirer of movie music and its ability to enhance storytelling through sound. Inspired by the cinematic compositions of John Williams, James Horner, Alan Silvestri, and others, he is eager to incorporate elements of film music into his own work, believing in the power of music to deepen emotional connection and narrative.

Brady’s ultimate goal is to bring audiences closer to the transformative power of music, whether as a violinist, composer, or conductor. His journey is defined by a commitment to growth, a passion for storytelling, and a dedication to leaving a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did you start studying music?

I began studying piano at age 8, but wasn't very fond of playing. I decided at age 10 that violin seemed like more fun, so I made the switch.

What inspired you to start music?

My mother was a pianist, so at a very young age, I would often hear her playing pieces like Beethoven's Für Elise. I also enjoyed the TV show the Little Einsteins, which utilizes a fair amount of classical music. These are the two primary things that inspired me to start music.

What made you want to become a conductor?

When I was 12 years old, I was searching on YouTube for a recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. I found a video, but wasn't a huge fan. I did a little more searching, and stumbled upon a video recording of Gustavo Dudamel conducting the piece. I had never heard of Dudamel prior to this point. I watched that performance, and I really enjoyed it. Dudamel appeared to be having so much fun that I decided that I wanted to be a conductor.

Who is your favorite composer?

Gustav Mahler is by far my favorite composer. However, I also love works by the other greats, including Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart. Regarding more modern composers, I really enjoy the works of John Williams.