Greta Bradman.
Camera IconGreta Bradman. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Soprano Greta Bradman honours grandpa Sir Donald Bradman on album Home

Sara FitzpatrickEastern Reporter

GRETA Bradman hasn’t ridden the coattails of her iconic grandfather.

In fact she has shied away from referencing Sir Donald Bradman since launching her career.

Now, nearly a decade in, the Adelaide-born singer dubbed “Australia’s favourite soprano” is embracing her namesake, including a song written by the late cricketing legend on her new album, Home.

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“This is significant to me because others will know him differently, but to me, just to have the music of someone who was such a special grandpa, means a lot,” Bradman said.

“Early in my music career I probably would have been more cautious about recording Every Day Is A Rainbow Day For Me but now I feel I have proven myself enough that it is OK to include this and have it there and everyone will understand that it is there because he is my grandpa, not because I’m trying to do anything with it.

“I feel that it is OK to celebrate Grandpa and his music without it just completely taking over the overall message of the album and the amazing work of the orchestra and choir, and (conductor) Luke Dollman.”

The late Bradman, a talented pianist, wrote the song in 1928 for soprano and piano.

“He wrote it about my grandma – she was the rainbow in his sky,” Bradman said.

“As long as she was around everything was OK – I think that is a beautiful thing for anyone to have and I don’t think it’s a given in life and he was lucky enough to have that.”

Bradman is lucky too, sharing a similar story of great love.

“My husband and I met at a mutual friend’s birthday party down in the city (Adelaide) and it was literally a case – for both of us – of seeing someone across the room and having to meet them,” she said.

“I had never experienced that before – and he is still the absolute love of my life.”

Bradman also has immense gratitude for her two sons and overcoming throat complications in 2016 that threatened her singing career.

Bradman moved from Adelaide in 2010 and now lives in Melbourne with her family.

“Home for me is all about a sense of belonging: somewhere that can give you sustenance no matter what else is going on,” she said.

“Home is where my family is and if I can’t be with my family physically, then music is the next best thing.

“I’ve travelled a fair bit overseas, particularly in Europe and UK, but also in the US and through Asia singing and there is nothing quite like Australia and I love it and feel so lucky to be here, raising my kids.”

THE ESSENTIALS

What: Greta Bradman Home tour

Where: Trinity Uniting, Perth

When: June 9

Tickets: www.gretabradman.com