Edward W. Hardy is a renowned American composer, music director, and virtuoso violinist and violist, recognized as one of the leading exponents of solo violin repertoire for theatrical productions.
At the tender age of 25, Hardy achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming one of the youngest composers to be accepted into the prestigious Exploring the Metropolis Con Edison Composer Residency, and one of the most prominent composer/violinists in New York City, as acclaimed by BroadwayWorld.
His exceptional talent has been widely praised by esteemed publications, including The New York Times, which noted his outstanding violin skills, stating, "Edward W. Hardy, who composed the omnipresent music, plays the violin superbly."
Hardy's performances have been characterized as "Vigor, Control And Expressiveness" by The Post and Courier, while Manhattan With A Twist described him as "Mesmerizing." His unique style, often described as "serene, dreamy, and soulful with velvety panache," has captivated audiences worldwide.
As the composer, music director, and violinist of the Off-Broadway hit show The Woodsman, Hardy's work received the 2016 Obie Award and the 2014 Jim Henson Foundation Grant, and was broadcast on PBS stations four separate times, streamed on BroadwayHD, and produced by major music producer Jim McElwaine, resulting in the album "The Woodsman Original Off-Broadway Solo Recording," which continues to be sold and streamed globally in countries such as the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Russia, Turkey, France, Hong Kong, Argentina, Ireland, and Germany.
Edward W. Hardy is a proud member of Local 802 Musicians Union, Dramatist Guild of America, and ASCAP, and holds the esteemed degrees of M. Mus. from the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College CUNY, and B. Mus. from SUNY Purchase, both cum laude.
