Brandon Fradd Fellowship in Music Composition

The Cintas Foundation is pleased to announce the Brandon Fradd Fellowship in Music Composition.

Established in 2006, the fellowship is endowed by Brandon Fradd of New York City for the benefit of the winner of the music composition award.

Mr. Fradd, managing director of Apollo Medical Partners, received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Princeton University, a graduate degree from the New College of Oxford University and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Mr. Fradd grew up in Miami among Cuban friends from whom he learned Spanish and developed an interest in Cuban music.

With this generous donation, Mr. Fradd has made it possible for the foundation to give an annual fellowship to a Cuban composer and thus support the rich heritage of Cuban music for the enjoyment of all.

First to receive the Brandon Fradd Fellowship in Music Composition is Carlos Puig-Hatem of Miami. Born in Cuba, he began studying music at the age of seven and composing jazz at the age of 15. Two years later Puig-Hatem graduated from the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory as trumpet professor and later received a bachelor in music, with a specialization in composition from the Higher Institute of Art in Havana.

Puig-Hatem worked as conductor of the Children Symphony Orchestra of Havana from 1992 to 1994 and as director in the Composition Department at the Havana Institute of Art. Among his influences are Ligeti, Messiaen, Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky and Cuban composer Alejandro García Caturla which is his strongest influence when writing. Puig-Hatem plans on undertaking a symphony with his fellowship.

Mr. Fradd has also provided funds to support the music collection of the Cintas Foundation, ensuring that information and records are maintained for posterity.

Endowment Awards may also be granted in the fields of: architecture, film, literature, music composition, photography, sculpture and Lifetime Achievement. The Cintas Foundation welcomes inquiries.