Greta Bradman: When I changed my name back to Bradman, everyone started treating me differently

... says Don Bradman's pitch perfect granddaughter Greta, who recently performed in Delhi with renowned music conductor Zubin Mehta.
If legendary batsman Don Bradman was perfect on the pitch, his grand daughter, Greta, is pitch perfect. She's making her own path as a classical singer and has been described as “a rocket“ by renowned music conductor Maestro Zubin Mehta, with whom she recently performed in the capital along with the Australian World Orchestra. During the press meet before the concert, she told us about her musical journey that started at home with her grandfather, a great lover of classical music ­ as someone from the orchestra interjected, “She sings like her grandfather batted!“ ­ about growing up as a `Bradsen' but changing her name back to `Bradman' and how cricket is less just a game and more about the values that underpin it. Excerpts:
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How has it been growing up with a last name like yours ­ has it been an impediment or does it have its advantages?
For the first 15 years of my life or so, I was Bradsen. My dad changed his name to Bradsen when he was about 30 years old, and it's funny 'coz there was all this controversy at the time about my grandpa not understanding and so forth. He really did understand. I think he was surprised that he changed it by two letters ­ `s' and `e' ­ rather than something like `Smith', but he did understand. And I think it did the trick. It allowed dad to have his own life and forge his own identity. But then my grandmother passed away and my grandpa was the only Bradman, so dad suggested we change it back. The interesting thing for me was when we changed our name back, all of a sudden, quite a number of people ­ not everyone of course, not our friends ­ treated me quite differently . I couldn't believe it. I thought it was ridiculous.All on the basis of a name. And I was so grateful to have had the first 15 years of my life as a Bradsen, because otherwise, I would never have recognised that difference.
I think in terms of singing, it's interesting... Even here, coming to India, with the Australian World Orchestra and Maestro Mehta, and I know that Maestro Mehta would not have asked me ­ I mean, he's a big cricket fan, as you would know ­ but he's also a very discerning musician and there is no way he would ask someone to join him for a concert if he didn't believe in that person. So I knew Maestro Mehta asked me because of my voice. But, I also knew there would be this interest around the Bradman name. It's certainly of no benefit in the classical music world because no one really cares!
How were your early years, how did you choose music as your path?
I'm very fortunate to have grown up on a farm, we didn't have a television. We used to make music and play sport, and that's how we entertained each other and ourselves. I used to sing a lot with my family. I would sing with my grandfather and we'd listen to old records together, including a lot of Maestro Mehta's albums. Which is what makes it so much more special being here. I wish that my grandfather could see me now because Mehta was one of my father's greatest heroes.
You're visiting a cricket obsessed country. Everytime you're introduced somewhere, do you get the standard excited response of `are you related?!'?
(Laughs) You know, a good thing about having a name like Greta is that there aren't many Gretas around, so when I introduce myself, I just say, `Hello, I'm Greta'. That sort of solves the problem! But I'm okay with it. And this is a nation that really, genuinely loves the game. And that's absolutely wonderful. The game of cricket, a game that I love dearly ,I don't think it's just about a bat and ball, it's about the values that underpin the game, and that's a really special thing. So, being here, in what I would con what I would consider the modern home of cricket, is a really special thing for me, in that way as well.
Have you seen India play? Are there any cricketers you admire?
The last time I saw the Indian cricket team was actually when I had dinner with them all on a boat in Sydney Harbour, when they were in the country for a game. They were so warm and just so lovely . We had dinner, I sang, I talked with the players and their partners and it was wonderful. But I have seen them play many times and it's always very exciting, and I should say I'm a passionate Australian supporter (laughs). But when Australia is not playing, and if India is, then I'm absolutely going for India!
Have you been shopping in Delhi? Did you buy that wrap (she was wearing a sparkly orange shawl) here?
You know what, this was actually ... there's a wonderful music foundation in the name of Maestro Mehta's father. As a thank you, a couple of ladies from the foundation gave me this. And I went shopping this morning, to Janpath. It was the first time that I actually managed to get out and about and experience a market. I was so excited! It was such a wonderful morning. I bought gifts for my family. I'm gonna try and sneak out again.
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