About this Artist

Radical self-love, compassion, laughter, and the drive to promote and amplify Black art-makers and noise-makers are at the core of Clifton Joseph Guidry III’s work. The New York City-based bassoonist, composer, and activist excels in many spheres, with performances hailed by the San Diego Tribune as “lyrical and haunting… hair-raising and unsettling.” Clifton is not only a versatile and acclaimed bassoonist, but he is also an improviser and composer of experimental and daring new works that proclaim his love of storytelling. In all aspects of his work, Clifton is supporting, hiring, and promoting Black artists within his practice. In honoring his ancestors and those who came before him, Clifton’s compositions channel his inner child. 

An example of his commitment to this mandate is his Sounds of the African Diaspora, which Clifton created and is spearheading and leading as a commissioning platform for composers from the African diaspora. This new initiative ensures that these composers have the space, resources, and the time they need to create new works and compositions.  

Clifton holds a bachelor’s degree in Bassoon Performance from Peabody Conservatory ,and a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Mannes School of Music and is currently obtaining their Master’s of Music in Contemporary Performance at the Manhattan School of Music. He has attended and been featured by prestigious festivals, including the Spoleto Festival and the Banff Center for the Arts and Creativity.