About Murray Grainger

Born in 1973 Murray Grainger began playing the accordion when he was eight years old. Starting lessons with renowned piano-key player Alice Swindells, he continued his studies with Professor Owen Murray before graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, London, in 1996. Murray then gained tremendous experience both as a solo performer as well as working with many orchestras and chamber groups, including the BBC Symphony and Scottish Chamber Orchestras. Murray can boast performances at such events as the BBC Promenade Series and Edinburgh International Festival, recitals at venues such as Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and many broadcasts on Radio and TV. He has collaborated with composers in the writing of new works for the instrument, giving World and British premiers of works by Jonathon Dove, Eddie McGuire, Gerhard Stäbler etc. In 1999 Murray returned to his roots in Manchester and has since explored many areas of the music world. Working in a variety of fields from traditional, through classical and jazz to commercial and popular music, and as an accomplished player of both piano and button key accordions, Murray has become a renowned exponent of the modern accordion. As a traditional player he has worked with many of today’s top performers from Steafan Hannigan, Cormac Byrne, Andrew Dinan, Desi Donnely etc. and at festivals around the world such as Celtic Connections, Sidmouth International Festival, Folk Est Italy, Festival Interceltic de Lorient France etc. Murray is well respected in the field of education, teaching at the Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, with previous educational endeavours including the Folk and Traditional Music Course at Newcastle University, Bangor University, Liverpool’s Hope University and The Orkney Traditional Music Project. Murray also held the position of Director of Music for the Fosbrooks Folk Education Trust, and Director of Education for Young Musicians Stornoway. His successful French trio Hérétique has quickly established itself as one of the most dynamic bands on the scene at the moment and their albums have met with critical acclaim. Combined with their touring he has been touring with Eve Loiseau performing the songs of Edith Piaf around the UK to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her death. He also regularly guests in a variety of ceilidh bands as well as session recording for various projects. As a recording artist he has released 7 albums, filmed a renowned accordion tuition DVD, written 2 books and is currently collaborating on a number of new projects. This rich and wide-ranging experience has established Murray Grainger as one of Britain's most influential and innovative accordionists. Whether working with the finest orchestras, pushing the boundaries with his traditional projects or teaching around the UK, Murray is at the forefront of the British accordion scene.