91ֱ�� Faculty Earn Ohio Arts Council Excellence Awards</h1> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Faculty Earn Ohio Arts Council Excellence Awards</h1> <p>kviancou — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:58:59 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Faculty Earn Ohio Arts Council Excellence Awards</span> <span><span>kviancou</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-03-10T16:58:59-04:00" title="Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 16:58">Tue, 03/10/2026 - 16:58</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Six faculty members representing 91ֱ��’s creative writing, theater, and music composition programs are among 77 Ohio artists honored by the Ohio Arts Council. Each received a 2026 Individual Excellence Award—a $5,000 grant that recognizes outstanding artistic achievement across a range of disciplines. </p><p>The awards provide artists with the resources to experiment and explore their art forms, develop skills, advance their careers, and receive affirmation and recognition for their outstanding work. The winners were selected through an anonymous, open-panel review process that focused solely on exceptional artistic achievement. </p><p>This year, the Ohio Arts Council received 469 applications from artists across the state. 91ֱ��’s recipients, and their respective award categories, are:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ec38c8ef0a8a0430492fc4ed4caa44b0c"><a href="/kari-barclay">Assistant Professor of Theater Kari Barclay</a> (playwriting)</li><li data-list-item-id="e90907cd44b649ee1b7a681dc4a831519"><a href="/emily-barton">Associate Professor and Chair of Creative Writing Emily Barton</a> (arts criticism)</li><li data-list-item-id="e8d07e609b4e48901b60e68684b5c3679"><a href="/amanda-hodes">Lecturer of Creative Writing Amanda Hodes</a> (poetry)</li><li data-list-item-id="ec167f1a6f5fad04510b1f24128792813"><a href="/elizabeth-rogers">Assistant Professor of Creative Writing Elizabeth Lindsey Rogers</a> (poetry)</li><li data-list-item-id="eb0508d81f54009c8d1b16275a243038b"><a href="/ghassan-abou-zeineddine">Assistant Professor of Creative Writing Ghassan Zeineddine</a> (fiction)</li><li data-list-item-id="e25973b4d95c16047973c18972652909c"><a href="/jesse-jones">Associate Professor of Composition Jesse Jones</a> (music composition)</li></ul><p>“Our communities are full of artists who make their livelihoods, hone their crafts, start their businesses, and share their talents right here in the Buckeye State,” says Donna S. Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council. “By supporting outstanding artists, we recognize the value of individual creativity and the essential role that arts and culture play in our lives.”</p><p><a href="https://oac.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/iea-fy-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawPon8ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEegu5JkMqtuBfAbHyscwLhqmMR7aBtnKjUuLKwA-PQT0XdQnsDOQaAWunQrxQ_aem_7SDIbHZs_kPlM1UJwCTqcQ">Learn more about the awards on the Ohio Arts Council website.</a></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Highly competitive program awards $5,000 grants recognizing outstanding artistic achievement.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-03-10T12:00:00Z">Tue, 03/10/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4290">BA/BFA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/emily-barton" hreflang="und">Emily Barton</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jesse-jones" hreflang="und">Jesse Jones</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/kari-barclay" hreflang="und">Kari Barclay</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/amanda-hodes" hreflang="und">Amanda Hodes</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/elizabeth-rogers" hreflang="und">Elizabeth Lindsey Rogers ’07</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/ghassan-abou-zeineddine" hreflang="und">Ghassan Abou-Zeineddine</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ��'s Ohio Arts Council honorees for 2026 (clockwise from top left): Kari Barclay, Emily Barton, Amanda Hodes, Jesse Jones, Ghassan Zeineddine, and Elizabeth Lindsey Rogers.<br> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Conservatory Celebrates Standout Students for 2024</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 13 May 2024 20:02:44 +0000</p> <span>Conservatory Celebrates Standout Students for 2024</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-13T16:02:44-04:00" title="Monday, May 13, 2024 - 16:02">Mon, 05/13/2024 - 16:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Each spring, 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s faculty and administration celebrate students whose academic and artistic work is especially meritorious. They are selected by committees and competition juries for exemplary musicianship and academic and personal achievement. Awards generated by numerous endowed funds are dedicated to acknowledging these musicians’ demonstrated excellence, supporting their ongoing study and creative projects, and even assisting with instrument purchases.</p> <p>This year’s honorees were celebrated at a May 13 reception in Stull Recital Hall (<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBqtKj">see photos</a> of the event on Flickr). They are listed below in alphabetical order by last name:</p> <p><strong>Beethoven Prize in Piano: Finalist</strong><br> Awarded to piano majors by the piano faculty for excellence in performing works by Beethoven<br> <em><strong>Nio L. Ajero</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Louis and Annette Kaufman Music Achievement Award in Violin</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding student of violin<br> <em><strong>Max W. Ball</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Theodore Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding returning student for excellence in musicianship<br> <em><strong>Max W. Ball</strong></em></p> <p><strong>James H. Hall Prize in Musicology</strong><br> Awarded to a graduating senior for excellence in work in musicology<br> <em><strong>Eliza R. Balmuth</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Delores and Donald White Prize</strong><br> Awarded to conservatory students who demonstrate leadership in elevating 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals through music performance<br> <em><strong>Joshua A. Barron</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Walter E. Aschaffenburg Prize</strong><br> Awarded to a graduating senior for outstanding music composition<br> <em><strong>Jake L. Berran</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Flint Initiative Grant</strong><br> Awarded to innovative, motivated, and prepared conservatory and double-degree students to develop imaginative artistic projects<br> <em><strong>Holly Bogle </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Faustina Hurlbutt Prize</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding graduating student in cello, piano, violin, or voice<br> <strong><em>JJ Jun Li Bui</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Beethoven Prize in Piano: Finalist</strong><br> Awarded to piano majors by the piano faculty for excellence in performing works by Beethoven<br> <em><strong>James Chen</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Arthur Dann Senior Piano Competition</strong><br> Awarded to the winner of this juried competition for excellence in piano performance<br> <em><strong>Yihang Chen</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Senior Concerto Competition</strong><br> Awarded in a juried competition each fall. Four winners are featured as soloists in performances of complete concertos with 91ֱ�� orchestras during the spring semester<br> <em><strong>Drew Dansby</strong></em>, cello</p> <p><strong>Senior Concerto Competition</strong><br> Awarded in a juried competition each fall. Four winners are featured as soloists in performances of complete concertos with 91ֱ�� orchestras during the spring semester<br> <em><strong>Juan Pedro Espinosa Monteros</strong></em>, clarinet</p> <p><strong>Margot Bos Stambler ’84 Professional Development Award</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding voice major of great promise<br> <em><strong>Elizabeth N. Hanje</strong></em></p> <p><strong>James H. Hall Prize in Musicology</strong><br> Awarded to a graduating senior for excellence in work in musicology<br> <em><strong>Sam C. Hart</strong></em></p> <p><strong>TIMARA Founders Fund John Clough Prize</strong><br> Awarded to a TIMARA major for distinctive work within the department<br> <em><strong>Ben P. Hochster</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Carol Nott Piano Pedagogy Prize</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior for continued study in piano pedagogy<br> <em><strong>Soyoung Jeong</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Delores and Donald White Prize</strong><br> Awarded to conservatory students who demonstrate leadership in elevating 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals through music performance<br> <em><strong>Daniela Jimenez Ochoa</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Senior Concerto Competition</strong><br> Awarded in a juried competition each fall. Four winners are featured as soloists in performances of complete concertos with 91ֱ�� orchestras during the spring semester<br> <em><strong>Maya Irizarry Lambright</strong></em>, violin</p> <p><strong>John Elvin Piano Prize</strong><br> Awarded to the student judged by the piano department to be the most talented in the junior class<br> <em><strong>Yu-Wei Lee</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Beethoven Prize in Piano Third Place: Howard Karp ’51 Prize</strong><br> Awarded to the third-place finisher of this juried competition for excellence in performance of works by Beethoven<br> <em><strong>Leo Lu</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Beethoven Prize in Piano First Place: Peter Takács Prize</strong><br> Awarded to the winner of this juried competition for excellence in performance of works by Beethoven<br> <em><strong>Iskandar O. Mamadaliev</strong></em></p> <p><strong>TIMARA Founders Fund Olly Wilson Prize</strong><br> Awarded to a TIMARA major for distinctive work within the department<br> <em><strong>Maya T. McCollum</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Watson Fellowship</strong><br> Awarded by the Thomas J. Watson Foundation to graduating seniors for purposeful, independent exploration outside the United States<br> <strong><em>Maya T. McCollum</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Agnes Fowler Collegiate Scholarship</strong><br> Awarded to a junior majoring in music and strong in instrumental or vocal performance<br> <em><strong>Ian N. McEdwards</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Ruth Cogan Memorial Scholarship in Vocal Performance</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding voice major who has dedicated significant time to the Otto B. Schoepfle Vocal Arts Center<br> <em><strong>Isabel Merat</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Pi Kappa Lambda Prize for Musicianship</strong><br> Awarded to students judged to be the most outstanding of those elected to Pi Kappa Lambda<br> <em><strong>Immanuel B. Mykyta-Chomsky</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Piano Faculty Prize in Accompanying</strong><br> Awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in accompanying singers and instrumentalists<br> <em><strong>Immanuel B. Mykyta-Chomsky</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Ernest Hatch Wilkins Memorial Prize</strong><br> Awarded to a returning student who has demonstrated academic excellence in the three preceding years<br> <em><strong>Khai Nien K. Nguyen</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Flint Initiative Grant </strong><br> Awarded to innovative, motivated, and prepared conservatory and double-degree students to develop imaginative artistic projects<br> <em><strong>Sangeetha Ramanuj</strong></em></p> <p><strong>David S. Boe-C. B. Fisk Prize for Excellence in Organ Performance</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding organ student<br> <em><strong>William F. Rehwinkel</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Earl L. Russell Award in Historical Performance</strong><br> Awarded to a student majoring in Historical Performance to assist with the purchase of a musical instrument<br> <em><strong>William F. Rehwinkel</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Margot Bos Stambler ’84 Professional Development Award</strong><br> Awarded to an outstanding voice major of great promise<br> <em><strong>Alan F. Rendzak</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Pi Kappa Lambda Prize for Musicianship</strong><br> Awarded to students judged to be the most outstanding of those elected to Pi Kappa Lambda<br> <em><strong>Alan F. Rendzak</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Wendell and Bettye Logan Prize in Jazz Studies</strong><br> Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in performance or composition<br> <em><strong>Coleman Rose</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Selby Harlan Houston Prize</strong><br> Awarded to a graduating senior whose performance in organ and music theory is of distinguished quality<br> <em><strong>Mark U. Slatter</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Rudolph Serkin Scholarship</strong><br> Awarded to a student demonstrating excellence in piano performance<br> <em><strong>Chau Minh Tran</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Flint Initiative Grant </strong><br> Awarded to innovative, motivated, and prepared conservatory and double-degree students to develop imaginative artistic projects<br> <em><strong>Sebastien Tsai</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Louis and Marguerite Bloomberg Greenwood Prize in Voice</strong><br> Awarded to a graduating student excelling in cello, piano, violin, or voice<br> <em><strong>Jordan L. Twadell</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Senior Concerto Competition</strong><br> Awarded in a juried competition each fall. Four winners are featured as soloists in performances of complete concertos with 91ֱ�� orchestras during the spring semester<br> <em><strong>Jiongli Wang</strong></em>, piano</p> <p><strong>Beethoven Prize in Piano Second Place: Leon Fleisher Prize</strong><br> Awarded to the second-place finisher of this juried competition for excellence in performance of works by Beethoven<br> <em><strong>Fiona Wu</strong></em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Annual reception held May 13 in Stull Recital Hall.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-05-13T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/13/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=39981">Piano and Vocal Accompanying</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=42726">Piano Pedagogy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35116">Violin</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35596">Voice</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33031">TIMARA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=32966">Organ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35261">Cello</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34691">Jazz Performance</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/vocal-studies" hreflang="und">Vocal Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/strings" hreflang="und">Strings</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/musicology" hreflang="und">Musicology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theory" hreflang="und">Music Theory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/historical-performance" hreflang="und">Historical Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/winds-brass-and-percussion" hreflang="und">Winds, Brass, and Percussion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/jazz-studies" hreflang="und">Jazz Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Elizabeth Hanje (middle), a fourth-year soprano from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, won the Margot Bos Stambler ’84 Professional Development Award. She is pictured with Dean of the Conservatory Bill Quillen and Associate Dean for Student Academic Affairs Leah Brockman.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Alumni and Faculty Celebrated for Composition Achievements</h1> <p>cstrauss — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:44:20 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Alumni and Faculty Celebrated for Composition Achievements</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-05T16:44:20-05:00" title="Tuesday, March 5, 2024 - 16:44">Tue, 03/05/2024 - 16:44</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The American Academy of Arts and Letters—an honor society of artists, architects, composers, and writers—announced the 20 recipients of its <a href="https://artsandletters.org/pressrelease/2024-music-awards">2024 Awards in Music</a>. A number of 91ֱ�� Conservatory alumni and a member of the Conservatory faculty were awarded prizes or scholarships. The honor celebrates and supports both established and emerging composers. 91ֱ��’s five honorees run the gamut of these career phases.</p> <div class="grid grid--1-2 left-right"> <p>Vocal performance alumnus <a href="https://rhiannongiddens.com/">Rhiannon Giddens ’00</a> was awarded the Virgil Thomson Award of $40,000, which goes to an exceptional American composer of vocal works. Giddens work was recently recoginized with the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Music for her opera <em>Omar</em>.</p> </div> <div class="grid grid--1-2 right-left"> <p>The Benjamin H. Danks Award of $20,000, given to a composer of ensemble works was granted to double degree alumnus and composer <a href="https://www.aaronhelgeson.com/">Aaron Helgeson ’05</a> (BM in composition and BA in theater). Helgeson serves as Associate Professor of Composition and Music Theory at Montclair State University’s Cali School of Music. His music has received awards and grants from institutions like the Fromm Music Foundation, Aaron Copland Fund, Barlow Endowment, ASCAP, and American Composers Forum. Recordings of his music are available on Carrier Records, 91ֱ�� Music, and Innova Recordings.</p> </div> <div class="grid grid--1-2 left-right"> <p>91ֱ�� Conservatory composition faculty <a href="/jesse-jones">Jesse Jones</a> received the Walter Hinrichsen Award, established by the C. F. Peters Corporation for the publication of a work by an American composer. The Rome Prize- and Guggenheim-winning composer has also just <a href="https://ezraquartet.bandcamp.com/album/ezra">released a new album with his group EZRA</a>, which includes nine works written by Jones. This musician collective is focused on the creation of genre-crossing and style-inclusive new music and consists of banjo virtuoso and 91ֱ�� Conservatory composition student <a href="https://maxallard.com/">Max Allard</a>, world-renowned mandolinist Jacob Jolliff, and bassist Craig Butterfield, with Jones on guitar and keyboard instruments.</p> </div> <div class="grid grid--1-2 right-left"> <p>Composer and conductor <a href="https://www.justinweissmusic.com">Justin Weiss ’17</a> (B.M. in Music Composition with a minor in Music Theory) is currently a PhD Fellow in Composition at the University of Chicago where he studies with Augusta Read Thomas and is conductor of the university’s New Music Ensemble. He has received a Charles Ives Scholarship of $7,500.</p> </div> <div class="grid grid--1-2 left-right"> <p>Composer <a href="https://isaacsantoscomposer.wordpress.com/">Isaac Santos ’22</a>, now a PhD candidate in Princeton University’s Department of Music, also received a Charles Ives Scholarship of $7,500.</p> </div> <style type="text/css">.basic-copy .grid.grid--1-2 {; margin: 2rem 0; } .basic-copy .grid.grid--1-2.left-right { grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr; } .basic-copy .grid.grid--1-2.right-left { grid-template-columns: 2fr 1fr; } .basic-copy .grid.grid--1-2.right-left > :first-child { grid-column: 2; grid-row: 1; } .basic-copy .grid.grid--1-2.right-left > :last-child { grid-column: 1; grid-row: 1; } .basic-copy .grid p { margin-top: 0.125rem; margin-bottom: 0; } </style></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">American Academy of Arts and Letters awards prizes and funding to four alumni and a member of the Composition Department faculty</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-03-05T12:00:00Z">Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2368">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2974">Conservatory Alumni</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35596">Voice</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35616">Conducting</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jesse-jones" hreflang="und">Jesse Jones</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theory" hreflang="und">Music Theory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/vocal-studies" hreflang="und">Vocal Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Semester Ends with a Packed Performance Calendar</h1> <p>cstrauss — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:59:18 +0000</p> <span>Semester Ends with a Packed Performance Calendar</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-12-08T11:59:18-05:00" title="Friday, December 8, 2023 - 11:59">Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:59</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� Conservatory’s student and faculty performers have been filling most concert venues throughout the campus over the last week. In just the last few days, we’ve heard performances by the Conservatory’s newest ensembles—the Djembe Orchestra led by Associate Professor of West African Drumming <a href="/weedie-braimah">Weedie Braimah</a>, and students in the 91ֱ�� Creative Music Lab directed in open-form and guided improvisation by Associate Professor of Contemporary Music and Improvisation <a href="/dana-jessen">Dana Jessen</a>. Guest artist and Brazilian pianist Helio Alves collaborated in the performances of original works with Performance and Improvisation Ensembles—ensembles dedicated to the exploration of many different world musics.</p> <p>During these final five bustling days before students head into reading period and then exams, large scale works by Johannes Brahms and Georg Frideric Handel will be heard standing alongside newer works by Jiyun Kim and André Previn. There are also two world premieres that feature appearances by both faculty and student soloists. This explosion of activity feels something akin to the thrilling finale of a fireworks display on New Year's Eve. So, join in—even from a distance. All of these concerts are free and open to the public, and all but one of them can be streamed live at concert time at <strong><a href="http://oberlin.edu/livestream">oberlin.edu/livestream</a></strong>.</p> <p>The <strong>91ֱ�� Orchestra</strong>, conducted by <a href="/raphael-jimenez">Raphael Jiménez</a>, will give their last performance of the fall semester in Finney Chapel on <strong>Friday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m.</strong> Jihyun Kim’s <em>A Tramp in the Assembly Line</em> opens the evening. Kim describes it as “a musical panorama” inspired by scenes from Charlie Chaplin’s comedy, <em>Modern Times</em>. Previously a visiting professor at 91ֱ��, Kim is now composition faculty at the Washington State University.</p> <p>Voice professor and soprano <a href="/katherine-jolly">Katherine Jolly</a> joins the orchestra as featured soloist in the middle work, André Previn's <em>Honey and Rue</em>, a 1992 song cycle commissioned by soprano Kathleen Battle for soprano, orchestra, and jazz combo. The text is a setting of six poems by Lorain, Ohio-born writer Toni Morrison. The lives of women and African Americans are the inspiration for the poems, which use images of yearning, satisfaction, and resolution.</p> <p>Of the composition, Jolly said, “<em>Honey and Rue</em> is a cycle that I've lived with for 21 years. When I heard the recording and read through the score at age 15, I knew it would be a major part of my future career. It was on my bucket list, understanding that I needed to be much older to truly sing it with the technique and depth it deserves. <em>Honey and Rue</em> is a retrospective exploration of a black woman's existence, moving through and back to slavery. I am very honored to sing the 91ֱ�� debut, just seven miles from where Toni Morrison grew up in Lorain.”</p> <p>The orchestra closes the evening with Brahms’ monumental Symphony No. 4— a piece that is at once emotionally despairing and resigned while astonishing and inspirational in its compositional virtuosity.</p> <hr> <p>Opportunities to hear our students and faculty perform <strong>chamber music</strong> abound on <strong>Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10</strong>. Things get underway at <strong>2:30 p.m. on Saturday</strong> in Kulas Recital Hall with small ensemble works that center <strong>classical guitar</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Six quartets</strong> in 91ֱ��’s Advanced String Quartet Seminar will follow on the final <strong>ChamberFest! </strong>performance of the semester at <strong>4:30 p.m.</strong>, where audiences will hear performances of six of Ludwig van Beethoven’s middle and late quartets. This seminar is a serious and intense immersion into the world of the string quartet, directed by 91ֱ�� faculty and string quartet specialists, <a href="/sibbi-bernhardsson">Sibbi Bernhardsson</a> and <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/kirsten-docter">Kirsten Docter</a>. The program recently celebrated great success in the launch of 91ֱ��’s fully undergraduate Poiesis Quartet, winner of the 2023 Fischoff National Chamber Music last May.</p> <p>Saturday evening brings the works of four masterful composers for the keyboard—Camille Saint-Saëns, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maurice Ravel, and Franz Schubert—to 91ֱ��’s <strong>Piano Duo Fest</strong>. Hear four sets of student pianist duos perform in Warner Concert Hall at <strong>7:30 p.m</strong>. (<strong><em>This concert is in-person only.)</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Faculty and guest artists</strong> perform a sonata program in Kulas Recital Hall at 1<strong>2:30 p.m. on Sunday</strong>. Hear flutist <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/alexa-still">Alexa Still</a>, violinist Grigory Kalinovsky, and pianists <a href="/tony-weinstein">Anthony Weinstein</a> and <a href="/tatiana-lokhina">Tatiana Lokhina</a> in works by Gabriel Fauré, Anton Rubinstein, and César Franck.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Vocal ensembles</strong> are also featured prominently this weekend. The a cappella early music ensemble <strong>Collegium Musicum 91ֱ��iense</strong>, under the direction of <a href="/steven-plank">Steven Plank</a>, performs their program twice in the intimate setting of Fairchild Chapel at <strong>7:30 p.m.</strong> on <strong>Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9</strong>. The program centers on the music of Henry Purcell, opening and closing with his celebratory anthem in five-part harmony, I was glad. Additional works by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, among others, fill out the offering.</p> <p>The collective forces of <strong>Musical Union</strong>—the nation’s second longest-standing choral tradition—and <strong>91ֱ�� College Choir</strong> will perform <strong>Handel’s complete Messiah</strong> with the <strong>91ֱ�� Chamber Orchestra</strong> and numerous student vocal soloists on <strong>Sunday, December 10 at 2:30 p.m.</strong> in Finney Chapel.</p> <p>91ֱ�� Conservatory Director of Choral Ensembles <a href="/gregory-ristow">Gregory Ristow</a> says, “We've been so lucky to have faculty members <a href="/edwin-huizinga-06">Edwin Huizinga</a> and <a href="/rebecca-reed">Rebecca Landell Reed</a> from our Historical Performance Program work with our string players and share more about styles of playing and bowing that are unique to the Baroque era. Their suggestions have really helped the piece come alive, with the articulations jumping off the page.”</p> <p>91ֱ��’s Professor of Musicology <a href="/charles-mcguire">Charles McGuire</a> writes, “<em>Messiah </em>was one of the compositions that helped form the canon of concert-hall music we have today, for better or worse. Many choirs were formed in the 19th century specifically to sing <em>Messiah</em>. And performances of <em>Messiah</em> have funded many a charitable undertaking, including 91ֱ��. The Musical Union’s (MU) first performance of the oratorio was in 1849. Between 1878 and 1917, and in most years thereafter, MU gave an annual performance of <em>Messiah</em> in December. These performances were sought-after tickets and the excellence of the Musical Union was reported on nationally, and they raised a great deal of money for our institution.”</p> <p>Ristow continues, “It's been so many years since 91ֱ�� has presented a full performance of Handel's <em>Messiah</em>, and I'm thrilled with how everyone is sounding. If you haven't experienced the whole thing before, it's an experience not to be missed!”</p> <p>Immediately preceding this full performance, the Credo music organization will team up with 91ֱ�� once again in its annual <strong>“Messiah Sing Along” at 1:30 p.m.</strong> For a dozen years now, Credo has presented this event. The organization's director and 91ֱ�� viola professor <a href="/peter-slowik">Peter Slowik</a> says, "As Credo celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we are so grateful to call 91ֱ�� our home. This year's hybrid format is a result of two great ideas coming together! We are delighted to come alongside the Conservatory's production of <em>Messiah</em> this year, and we look forward to the continuation of the sing-along tradition next year.</p> <hr> <p>The Conservatory’s last performance of the semester is with <strong>91ֱ��’s Contemporary Music Ensemble and Sinfonietta</strong> under the direction of <a href="/timothy-weiss">Timothy Weiss</a>. Their relatively rare appearance in Finney Chapel is at <strong>7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12</strong>. These ensembles regularly perform works by women and 91ֱ�� alumni composers, and they are acclaimed for their commitment to giving world premiere performances. This concert is no different: <strong>Two world premieres</strong>—one by student composer Cashel Day-Lewis and the other by faculty composer <a href="/jesse-jones">Jesse Jones</a> are also solo vehicles for a student violin soloist Max Ball, and voice professor <a href="/timothy-lefebvre">Timothy LeFebvre</a>, baritone. Weiss has also programmed pieces by Carolina Heredia and Lotta Wennäkoski. Completing the program, is the 2022 composition <em>Neshamah </em>by 91ֱ�� alumnus and composer David Serkin Ludwig ’95. The <em>New York Times</em>, has described that “Ludwig orchestrates with the skill and sophistication of a Ravel, and generates the power and thrills of a John Williams adventure film score.”</p> <p>Clearly, there is something for everyone over the next five days. Listen, wherever you are. Learn more on <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/calendar/week?event_types%5B%5D=19263">91ֱ�� Conservatory's Events Calendar</a>.</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Large and small ensembles bring extraordinary range of repertoire to 91ֱ��’s stages</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-12-08T12:00:00Z">Fri, 12/08/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3879">Performances</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=28886">Historical Performance</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/katherine-jolly" hreflang="und">Katherine Jolly</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gregory-ristow" hreflang="und">Gregory Ristow ’01</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/raphael-jimenez" hreflang="und">Raphael Jiménez</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/timothy-weiss" hreflang="und">Timothy Weiss</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/timothy-lefebvre" hreflang="und">Timothy LeFebvre</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/sibbi-bernhardsson" hreflang="und">Sibbi Bernhardsson</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/kirsten-docter" hreflang="und">Kirsten Docter</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/peter-slowik" hreflang="und">Peter Slowik</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/steven-plank" hreflang="und">Steven Plank</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/edwin-huizinga-06" hreflang="und">Edwin Huizinga ’06</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/rebecca-landell" hreflang="und">Rebecca Landell</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/charles-mcguire" hreflang="und">Charles McGuire</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/alexa-still" hreflang="und">Alexa Still</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tatiana-lokhina" hreflang="und">Tatiana Lokhina</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/tony-weinstein" hreflang="und">Tony Weinstein</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/weedie-braimah" hreflang="und">Weedie Braimah</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dana-jessen" hreflang="und">Dana Jessen</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jesse-jones" hreflang="und">Jesse Jones</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/conducting-and-ensembles" hreflang="und">Conducting and Ensembles</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/strings" hreflang="und">Strings</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/vocal-studies" hreflang="und">Vocal Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/winds-brass-and-percussion" hreflang="und">Winds, Brass, and Percussion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Musical Union and the 91ֱ�� Orchestra in Finney Chapel</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">John Seyfried</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Courtney Bryan ’04 Wins Prestigious MacArthur Fellowship</h1> <p>eburnett — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 01:09:41 +0000</p> <span>Courtney Bryan ’04 Wins Prestigious MacArthur Fellowship</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-10-03T21:09:41-04:00" title="Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 21:09">Tue, 10/03/2023 - 21:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Composer and pianist <a href="https://www.courtneybryan.com/">Courtney Bryan</a>, a 2004 graduate of 91ֱ�� Conservatory whose works explore the African American experience through a range of musical and sociopolitical influences, has been awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for 2023, one of the nation’s most prestigious and lucrative honors.</p> <p>A native of New Orleans, Bryan completed a BM in <a href="/node/75916">composition</a> at 91ֱ��, an MM from Rutgers University, and an MA and DMA from Columbia University. Since 2016 she has taught at Tulane University, where she is the Albert and Linda Mintz Professor of Music. She is also composer in residence at Opera Philadelphia. Bryan’s compositions have been performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and numerous other renowned venues and festivals.</p> <p>Widely known as the “Genius Grant,” the <a href="https://www.macfound.org/programs/fellows/">MacArthur Fellowship</a> recognizes the creative contributions and potential of individuals representing disciplines across the sciences, arts, and humanities. Each fellow receives a stipend of $800,000 with no strings attached.</p> <p>Bryan becomes the 14th graduate of 91ֱ�� to be honored with a MacArthur Fellowship. She follows writer and educator <a href="/news/kiese-laymon-98-earns-macarthur-foundation-honor-2022">Kiese Laymon ’98</a>, who won in 2022, and musician <a href="/news/rhiannon-giddens-00-named-macarthur-fellow-2017">Rhiannon Giddens ’00</a>, a 2017 honoree.</p> <p>“It’s still sinking in for me,” Bryan said from the American Academy in Rome, where she is completing work made possible by a <a href="/news/courtney-bryan-04-awarded-rome-prize-composition">Rome Prize</a> awarded in 2019. Still reckoning with the news of her MacArthur honor, she said she’s not sure how she will use the award but that she’s in the early stages of “brainstorm mode.”</p> <p>“The honor of MacArthur is an affirmation of one pursuing one’s own path,” she said. “I feel affirmed and I feel grateful for my family, community, teachers, and collaborators who have helped me grow to who I am today. I also hope to use this stage of my career to see what things I can help build upon—especially in New Orleans, to further creative opportunities for other creatives.”</p> <p>Bryan’s eclectic musical interests—which include classical, jazz, spiritual, gospel, and postmodern influences—can be traced to her studies at 91ֱ��. In addition to her composition major, she studied classical and jazz piano extensively, mentored by piano professors <a href="/node/6736">Alvin Chow</a> and <a href="/node/6721">Dan Wall</a> and a host of other faculty across the conservatory and college. She was a fixture in the 91ֱ�� Jazz Ensemble throughout her time on campus and she regularly collaborates with a long list of fellow 91ֱ�� alumni musicians.</p> <p>“I remain grateful for my time at 91ֱ��: a time when I really got to explore the paths forward and to be in such a creative environment with such amazing professors and classmates,” Bryan said from Rome. “I loved my time at 91ֱ��!”</p> <p>Learn more about Bryan at <a href="https://www.courtneybryan.com/">courtneybryan.com</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Composer-pianist’s artistry reveals wide-ranging influences; honor is the 14th for an 91ֱ�� graduate.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-10-04T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/04/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2368">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2974">Conservatory Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34691">Jazz Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/alvin-chow" hreflang="und">Alvin Chow</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/jazz-studies" hreflang="und">Jazz Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Meet the Conservatory’s Newest Tenure-Track Faculty</h1> <p>eburnett — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:43:15 +0000</p> <span>Meet the Conservatory’s Newest Tenure-Track Faculty</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-10-04T16:43:15-04:00" title="Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 16:43">Wed, 10/04/2023 - 16:43</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Five members of the conservatory faculty have been granted tenure-track positions beginning this academic year. They span the disciplines of <a href="/node/3326">music theory</a>, <a href="/node/75916">composition</a>, <a href="/trombone">trombone</a>, and <a href="/timara">TIMARA</a>—each of them standout artist-educators who join a highly revered conservatory faculty.</p> <p>And while some are entirely new to their roles, many have deep ties to campus as past visiting faculty, guest artists—and even a former student.</p> <p>Follow the links below to learn more about each of them, from their areas of scholarly and artistic interest to the courses they teach this fall.</p> <p>Welcome—and <em>welcome back</em>—to 91ֱ��, one and all!</p> <script> (function () { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () { const educationBlocks = [ `<div class="lined-list"> <h2 class="small-headline">Education <ul> <li>PhD, music theory, Indiana University, 2023 <li>BMus, violin performance, 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music, 2017 `, `<div class="lined-list"> <h2 class="small-headline">Education <ul> <li>BM, acoustic and electronic composition, University of South Florida, 2014 <li>MA, musical composition, Eastman School of Music, 2016 <li>PhD, musical composition, Eastman School of Music, 2021 `, `<div class="lined-list"> <h2 class="small-headline">Education <ul> <li>BME, instrumental music education, Bowling Green State University, 2010 <li>MM, trombone performance, University of Michigan, 2015 <li>DMA, trombone performance, University of Michigan, 2018 `, `<div class="lined-list"> <h2 class="small-headline">Education <ul> <li>PhD in composition and computer technologies, University of Virginia <li>MM in music composition, Bowling Green State University <li>BA in music, Bowdoin College `, `<div class="lined-list"> <h2 class="small-headline">Education <ul> <li>BA cum laude, music (concentration in music theory), Pomona College, 2016 <li>MA, music theory, Eastman School of Music, 2019 <li>PhD, music theory, Eastman School of Music, 2022 `, ] const cardTitles = document.querySelectorAll('.biography-card__content h2 ~ .item-list'); cardTitles.forEach(title => { title.classList.add('list--clean'); title.querySelector('ul').style.marginTop = 0; title.querySelector('li').classList.add('professional-title'); }); const cardLinks = document.querySelectorAll('.biography-card__content .view-more'); cardLinks.forEach((el, i) => { el.insertAdjacentHTML("beforebegin", educationBlocks[i]); }); }); })(); </script> <style type="text/css">.professional-title { font-size: 1rem; /* margin-bottom: 2rem;*/ margin-bottom: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.4; } .biography-card__content h2 { margin-bottom: 0.25rem; } .biography-card__content .lined-list li { font-size: .9375rem; } </style></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Five artist-teachers, many with deep ties to campus, settle into new roles.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-10-04T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/04/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3341">Conservatory Faculty</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33031">TIMARA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=28876">Music Theory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35836">Trombone</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/john-gruber" hreflang="und">John Gruber</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/christa-cole-17" hreflang="und">Christa Cole ’17</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/steven-kemper" hreflang="und">Steven Kemper</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/michael-frazier" hreflang="und">Michael Frazier</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/eron-smith" hreflang="und">Eron Smith</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/winds-brass-and-percussion" hreflang="und">Winds, Brass, and Percussion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theory" hreflang="und">Music Theory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Mike Crupi</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>Christa Cole ’17</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Assistant Professor of Music Theory</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/christa-cole-17">View Christa Cole ’17’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>Michael Frazier</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Assistant Professor of Composition</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/michael-frazier">View Michael Frazier’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>John Gruber</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Assistant Professor of Trombone</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/john-gruber">View John Gruber’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>Steven Kemper</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Associate Professor of Technology in Music and Related Arts</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/steven-kemper">View Steven Kemper’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>Eron Smith</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Assistant Professor of Music Theory</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/eron-smith">View Eron Smith’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Michael Frazier Promoted to Assistant Professor of Composition at 91ֱ�� Conservatory</h1> <p>jreinier — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:58:06 +0000</p> <span>Michael Frazier Promoted to Assistant Professor of Composition at 91ֱ�� Conservatory</span> <span><span>jreinier</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-06-08T11:58:06-04:00" title="Thursday, June 8, 2023 - 11:58">Thu, 06/08/2023 - 11:58</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Composer <a href="/michael-frazier">Michael Frazier</a> has been appointed assistant professor of composition in 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/3301">Division of Contemporary Music</a>. Since joining the <a href="/node/75916">Composition Department</a> as a visiting assistant professor in 2021, he has helped students develop a deep and varied skill set with an emphasis on nurturing their individual voices.</p> <p>“Easily, the thing I’m most excited about in the Composition Department are our wonderful students,” Frazier says. “It brings me great joy and honor to be able to continue working with our fine young composers in many different capacities.”</p> <p>Frazier encourages engagement with topics and aesthetics outside students’ musical familiarity or awareness. He harbors a strong passion for forward-thinking music-making and creativity that embraces each individual’s cultural identity, especially those of historically underrepresented groups.</p> <p>A Black and Latino composer, Frazier’s musical language blends influences from jazz, hip-hop, and other genres, rooted in a broader history of Black creative artistry. His compositional style incorporates a dense, expansive tonal language juxtaposed with freer approaches to melody and structural organization, often born in the expression of musical improvisation in various forms. At the forefront, Frazier’s music relies on gesture, harmony, slowness, and patience.</p> <p>Frazier’s compositions have been widely performed and presented by esteemed groups worldwide, including <a href="https://www.ravellorecords.com/catalog/rr8037/">Strings & Hammers</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiY4-izhLT_AhUKm4kEHUdRACwQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ossianewmusic.org%2F&usg=AOvVaw1_MiOqbrqbQSmbwv31_c6i">OSSIA New Music</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi_vKW7hLT_AhVMj4kEHbA7CAwQFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esm.rochester.edu%2Fensembles%2Fmusicanova%2F&usg=AOvVaw02nJdoDm41FKZAGe36hjAg">Musica Nova</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj9z-bJhLT_AhXxkYkEHfYLBZoQFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthreealexander%2F&usg=AOvVaw0Q3MJKvN8PNmb2GNHJfLpG">Trio Alexander</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjurJLThLT_AhUCkokEHX7mAt8QFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.music.msu.edu%2Fperformance%2Fstudent-ensembles%2Fmusique-21&usg=AOvVaw2d_R1e9a6lzKKQsbeBC2it">Musique 21</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjLmpHbhLT_AhVVjokEHWihDV4QFnoECBIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdetroitchamberwinds.org%2F&usg=AOvVaw2BDmSTpo3LbscD4NM2NuQq">Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings</a>, and <a href="https://wmich.edu/music/birds-on-wire">Birds on a Wire</a>. He earned a master’s degree and PhD in composition from the Eastman School of Music, where he received numerous awards in composition, including the Howard Hanson Ensemble Prize and the Wayne Brewster Barlow Prize.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Frazier has a strong passion for forward-thinking music-making and creativity that embraces cultural identity.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-06-08T12:00:00Z">Thu, 06/08/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Joshua Reinier</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/michael-frazier" hreflang="und">Michael Frazier</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32095" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-giant> <p>My 91ֱ�� experience so far has been nothing short of remarkable. Never could I have predicted being in an environment with such a high level of musicality, artistry, respect, and compassion as I’ve found here.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27742" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>At 91ֱ��, Frazier aims to foster meaningful connections across the conservatory. Already, he has supported cross-departmental initiatives including the Explorations project, through which student composers collaborate with musicians from a different studio each year toward the creation of a new work. He envisions further collaborations between the Composition Department, <a href="/node/51641">TIMARA</a>, and <a href="/node/3231">jazz</a>, enriching the creative experiences of students and faculty alike.</p> <p>“We are so pleased to welcome Michael,” says Composition Department Chair <a href="/stephen-hartke">Stephen Hartke</a>. “Of course, having served here these past two years in a visiting capacity, he is already a highly valued colleague whose talents and energies have led to new initiatives and a broadening of our department’s perspectives. I know that all of us, students and faculty alike, look forward to his continuing engagement with our creative community.”</p> <p>Frazier’s collaborative mindset is apparent in his artistry. He’s currently working on two projects with 91ֱ�� community members: a piece for solo viola for rising third-year student Solomon Leonard, as well as a piece for bassoon, piano, percussion, and electronics for <a href="/dana-jessen">Dana Jessen</a>, 91ֱ��’s associate professor of contemporary music and improvisation and director of conservatory professional development. “I’m taking both pieces as opportunities to incorporate more improvisational approaches by the players,” he says. “I’m excited to see how it’ll go!</p> <p>“I can say that my 91ֱ�� experience so far has been nothing short of remarkable. Never could I have predicted being in an environment with such a high level of musicality, artistry, respect, and compassion as I’ve found here.”</p> <p>“I’m so thankful to be able to continue being a part of this school. This is perhaps the first time ever that I’m more eager for summer break to be finished just so I can get right back into doing what I love this upcoming school year!”</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Conservatory Celebrates Recipients of 2022-23 Honors & Awards</h1> <p>jreinier — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:41:50 +0000</p> <span>Conservatory Celebrates Recipients of 2022-23 Honors & Awards</span> <span><span>jreinier</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-05-23T14:41:50-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 14:41">Tue, 05/23/2023 - 14:41</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Recipients of 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s 2022-23 Honors and Awards included 43 outstanding students from across the Conservatory’s 11 divisions. Most of the prizes were given to graduating seniors honored for their achievements throughout their time at 91ֱ��. </p> <p>Some awards, such as the Beethoven, Serkin, Elvin, and Dann prizes in piano, and the Senior Concerto Competition winners, were earned earlier in the year through juried competitions. </p> <p>The Flint Initiative, Grindlay, and XARTS grants were awarded by Conservatory Professional Development to fund exceptionally creative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial projects that students completed during Winter Term and summer break. </p> <p>Conservatory Dean Bill Quillen shares: “On behalf of the Conservatory’s faculty and staff, it is a great pleasure to congratulate the 2023 Conservatory Honors and Awards winners. We are incredibly proud of these students — and, indeed, all of our students — and we are inspired every day by their creativity, artistry, hard work, open-mindedness, and their commitment to service and to making the world a better place through music.”</p> <h3>2022-23 Honors and Awards</h3> <p><strong>The Arthur Dann Piano Competition</strong><br> <em>Awarded to the winner of this juried competition for excellence in piano performance.</em><br> <strong>JJ Bui</strong>, third year</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Prof. Alvin Chow, Jiongli Wang</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>The Beethoven Prizes in Piano</strong><br> <em>Awarded in a juried competition to piano majors for outstanding performance in works of Beethoven.</em><br> The Takács/Beethoven Prize (First): <strong>Jiongli Wang</strong>, third year<br> The Leon Fleisher Prize (Second): <strong>Yihang (Alex) Chen</strong>, third year<br> The Howard Karp '51 Prize (Third): <strong>Natasha Wu ’23</strong><br> Semi-finalist prize: <strong>Leo Lu</strong>, first year</p> <p><strong>The Carol Nott Piano Pedagogy Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior for continued study in piano  pedagogy. </em><br> <strong>Annie (Guoanni) Qin ’23</strong></p> <p><strong>The David S. Boe - C. B. Fisk Prize for Excellence in Organ Performance</strong><br> <em>Awarded to an outstanding organ student.</em><br> <strong>Oziah B. Wales ’23</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Malcolm Bamba, Chris Jenkins</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>The Dolores and Donald White Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to Conservatory students who demonstrate leadership in elevating 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals through music performance.</em><br> <strong>Malcolm F. Bamba</strong>, fourth year, Independent Major in Arts Leadership & Marketing<br> <strong>Blake Logan</strong>, second year, Cello Performance and Undecided B.A.</p> <p><strong>The Earl L. Russell Award in Historical Performance</strong><br> <em>Awarded to worthy students majoring in Historical Performance to assist with the purchase of a musical instrument.</em><br> <strong>Kailah Grace Robbins</strong>, third year, Flute Performance and Baroque Flute</p> <p><strong>The Ernest Hatch Wilkins Memorial Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a returning student who has demonstrated academic excellence in the three preceding years.</em><br> <strong>Nik D. Rejto (Divall)</strong>, third year, Classical Guitar</p> <p><strong>The Faustina Hurlbutt Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to an outstanding graduating student in cello, piano, violin, or voice.</em><br> <strong>Luka C. Stefanovic ’23</strong>, BM/MM, Cello Performance, Historical Performance, Baroque Cello</p> <p><strong>The Flint Initiative Grant (FIGs)</strong><br> <em>Awarded to innovative, motivated, and prepared Conservatory and Double-Degree students to develop imaginative artistic projects.</em><br> <strong>Ishan Loomba ’23</strong>, Piano Performance and Psychology, minor in Computer Science<br> <strong>Ilana McNamara</strong>, fourth year, Viola Performance and Mathematics<br> <strong>Ozüm Pamukcu ’23</strong>, Musical Studies and Economics<br> <strong>Sangeetha Ramanuj</strong>, second year, Musical Studies and Mathematics<br> <strong>Katia Rumin</strong>, second year, Viola Performance</p> <p><strong>The Graham Grindlay '00 Endowed Memorial Music & Computer Science Innovation Fund </strong><br> <em>Supports the development and execution of projects that bring together music and sound with computer science or technological innovation.</em><br> <strong>Ivy Fu ’23</strong>, TIMARA and Art History<br> <strong>Julia Collins</strong>, third year, TIMARA <br> <strong>Maya McCollum</strong>, fourth year, TIMARA and Studio Art</p> <p><strong>The John Elvin Piano Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a student judged by the Piano Department to be the most talented in the junior class.</em><br> <strong>Yihang (Alex) Chen</strong>, third year, Piano Performance</p> <p><strong>The Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts</strong><br> <em>Awarded in the Conservatory every five years and on the faculty’s recommendation to a graduating senior who has performed with uncommon distinction in music performance. The award was established in 1982 by Louis Sudler of Chicago, a musician with a lifelong commitment to the training of young artists in university.</em><br> <strong>Adam S. Chlebek ’23</strong>, Organ Performance</p> <p><strong>The Louis and Annette Kaufman Music Achievement Award in Violin</strong><br> <em>Awarded to an outstanding student of violin.</em><br> <strong>Matthew S. Cone ’23</strong>, Violin Performance</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Bill Quillen, Gillian Piper</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>The Louis and Marguerite Bloomberg Greenwood Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a graduating student excelling in cello, piano, violin, or voice.</em><br> <strong>Gillian B. Piper ’23</strong>, Jazz Voice Performance<br> <strong>Kylie P. Buckham ’23</strong>, Vocal Performance</p> <p><strong>The Margot Bos Stambler '84 Professional Development Award</strong><br> <em>Awarded to an outstanding vocal performance major of great promise to enhance career opportunities.</em><br> <strong>Kylie A. Kreucher ’23</strong>, Vocal Performance<br> <strong>Brian R. Wacker ’23</strong>, Vocal Performance</p> <p><strong>The Ohio Federation of Music Clubs (OFMC) Agnes Fowler Collegiate Scholarship</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a junior majoring in music, and who is strong in instrumental or voice performance. Made possible by the OFMC, a statewide organization devoted to the love and encouragement of music in Ohio.</em><br> <strong>Felix J. Veser</strong>, third year, Viola Performance</p> <p><strong>The Pi Kappa Lambda Prize for Musicianship</strong><br> <em>Awarded to students judged to be the most outstanding of those elected to Pi Kappa Lambda, an American honor society for undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors of music.</em><br> <strong>Clara I. Dahmer ’23</strong>, Vocal Performance<br> <strong>Kylie A. Kreucher ’23</strong>, Vocal Performance<br> <strong>Matthew S. Cone ’23</strong>, Violin Performance</p> <p><strong>The Piano Faculty Prize in Accompanying</strong><br> <em>Awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in accompanying singers and instrumentalists.</em><br> <strong>Kai-Min Chang ’23</strong>, Piano Performance<br> <strong>Ishan Loomba ’23</strong>, Piano Performance and Psychology, minor in Computer Science</p> <p><strong>The Rudolph Serkin Scholarship</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a student demonstrating excellence in piano performance.</em><br> <strong>Yubo Deng</strong>, second year, Piano Performance</p> <p><strong>The Ruth Cogan Memorial Scholarship in Vocal Performance</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a vocal performance student who has demonstrated significant work in voice pedagogy or in the PACE concentration.</em><br> <strong>Nisha P. Caiozzi ’23</strong>, Vocal Performance</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Adam Chlebek, Oziah B. Wales,<br> Katherine Johnson, Prof. Jonathan Moyer</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>The Selby Harlan Houston Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a graduating senior whose performance in organ and music theory is of distinguished quality.</em><br> <strong>Katherine E. Johnson ’23</strong>, Organ Performance and English</p> <p><strong>The Senior Concerto Competition</strong><br> <em>Awarded in a juried competition each fall. Winners are featured as soloists in performances of complete concertos with the 91ֱ�� orchestras during the spring semester.</em><br> <strong>Kylie P. Buckham ’23</strong>, Vocal Performance<br> <strong>Annie (Guoanni) Qin ’23</strong>, Piano Performance<br> <strong>Matthew S. Cone ’23</strong>, Violin Performance<br> <strong>Jonathan Kronheimer ’23</strong>, Oboe Performance</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Rachel Yee, Prof. Tom Lopez, Gabriel Baskin</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>The TIMARA Founders Fund John Clough Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a TIMARA major for distinctive work within the department.</em><br> <strong>Gabriel L. Baskin ’23</strong></p> <p><strong>The TIMARA Founders Fund Olly Wilson Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a TIMARA major for distinctive work within the department.</em><br> <strong>Rachel Yee ’23</strong>, TIMARA and Computer Science, minor in Music and Cognition</p> <p><strong>The Theodore Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award</strong><br> <em>This award, made possible by the Presser Foundation, is awarded to an outstanding returning student for excellence in musicianship.</em><br> <strong>Abby Lopez</strong>, second year, Bassoon Performance</p> <p><strong>The Walter E. Aschaffenburg Prize</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a graduating senior for outstanding music composition.</em><br> <strong>Isaac Santos ’23</strong>, Composition</p> <p><strong>The Wendell and Bettye Logan Prize in Jazz Studies</strong><br> <em>Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in performance or composition.</em><br> <strong>Kamran M. Curlin ’23</strong>, fourth year, Jazz Bass and History</p> <p><strong>The XARTS Fund</strong><br> <em>Supports the development and execution of collaborative, multi-disciplinary, artistic projects.</em><br> <strong>Awen McKee</strong>, second year, Composition<br> <strong>Analise Granados</strong>, second year, Violin Performance and Undecided (B.A.)<br> <strong>Katie Galt</strong>, fourth year, Viola Performance and Comparative Literature<br> <strong>Mariah Leontopoulou-Cochran</strong>, fourth year, Jazz Voice, minor in Hispanic Studies<br> <strong>Maya Irizarry Lambright</strong>, third year, Violin Performance<br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">43 outstanding students from the Conservatory were selected for honors and awards this year.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-05-23T12:00:00Z">Tue, 05/23/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>At the end of each spring semester, 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s faculty and administration celebrate students whose academic and artistic work is especially meritorious. They are selected by committees and competition juries for exemplary musicianship, academic work, and personal achievement. Awards generated by numerous endowed funds are dedicated to acknowledging these musicians' demonstrated excellence, supporting their ongoing study and creative projects, and even assisting them with instrument purchases.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33031">TIMARA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34691">Jazz Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35116">Violin</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=36206">Viola</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35261">Cello</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33041">Baroque Cello</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=32966">Organ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35881">Bassoon</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=37361">Oboe</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35596">Voice</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/jazz-studies" hreflang="und">Jazz Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/vocal-studies" hreflang="und">Vocal Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/strings" hreflang="und">Strings</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/winds-brass-and-percussion" hreflang="und">Winds, Brass, and Percussion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/historical-performance" hreflang="und">Historical Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theory" hreflang="und">Music Theory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies" hreflang="und">Musical Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/pace" hreflang="und">Pedagogy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/musicology" hreflang="und">Musicology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Joshua Reinier</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Students, Faculty Participate in Detroit's Resonate Symposium</h1> <p>cstrauss — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 01:42:17 +0000</p> <span>Students, Faculty Participate in Detroit's Resonate Symposium</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-04-14T21:42:17-04:00" title="Friday, April 14, 2023 - 21:42">Fri, 04/14/2023 - 21:42</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Resonate is a multi-year collaboration that explores the African Diaspora through the lens of contemporary American chamber music. The project, under the direction of <a href="https://detroitchamberwinds.org/programs/resonate/">Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings</a> and <a href="https://thecarrcenter.org/the-resonate-project-2/">The Carr Center</a>, commissioned six American composers to create new works that have been performed by each of the collaborators during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. </p> <p>Participating composers are Michael Frazier, Adolphus Hailstork, Nathalie Joachim, George Lewis, Patrice Rushen, and Pamela Z. </p> <p>Schools of music that embarked on the project along with 91ֱ�� Conservatory, are Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Bowling Green State University. Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and The Carr Center are also performing partners of the works composed under the auspices of Resonate. </p> <p>A developmental feature of the two-day symposium is the focus on bringing high school and college composition students together with the community to discuss the career and craft of being a composer in today’s world.</p> <p>Each day, the symposium presents a concert showcasing the featured Resonate composers' works that were commissioned over the last two years. </p> <p>91ֱ�� Sinfonietta, with director <a href="/timothy-weiss">Timothy Weiss</a>, will perform the work <em>BlackPortrait</em> by composition faculty <a href="/michael-frazier">Michael Frazier</a> at the symposium's closing concert on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble includes student musicians Daniel Jordan (flute, alto flute), Keyvar Smith-Herold (bass clarinet), Brin Jaeger (percussion), Kelvin Tang (piano), Natalie Hsieh (violín I), Laoise Matsumoto (violin II), Solomon Leonard (viola), Miles Reed (cello), and Caeden Brusett (bass).</p> <p>Sinfonietta has performed <em>BlackPortrait</em> in 91ֱ�� twice: first in February 2022, and just this week on <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_sinfonietta">April 13</a>, giving two different groups of students the opportunity to participate in bringing this new music to the stage.</p> <p>Frazier is a Black and Latino composer specializing in acoustic, electronic, and electroacoustic music. Heavily influenced and inspired by his love of jazz and hip-hop music, his music explores a broader history of Black creative artistry. Of <em>BlackPortrait</em>, Frazier said it was, "A piece meant to reflect my own personal musical state-of-mind at the end of my doctoral studies, and is inspired by the three-section formal structure of Charles Mingus’s 'Self-Portrait in Three Colors.'"</p> <p>91ֱ�� ensembles have been giving performances of other works commissioned for Resonate over the last year, as have all the collaborating partners in the project. One of the goals of the project was to ensure numerous readings of these works on stages across the Midwest.</p> <p>91ֱ�� Sinfonietta just gave the world premiere performance of <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/concert_oberlin_sinfonietta">Pamela Z's work, titled <em>Differences</em></a>, on the April 13 performance in 91ֱ��'s Warner Concert Hall. In November 2022, two other works created with support from Resonate—<a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/sinfonietta_1166">Nathalie Joachim's Radical Revelations</a> for reed quintet, and <a href="http://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/contemporary_music_ensemble_3588">Adolphus Hailstork's <em>Monuments</em></a>, which also featured 91ֱ�� trombone professor John Gruber as soloist—were performed by Sinfonietta and the Contemporary Music Ensemble, respectively. </p> <p>Two students representing the 91ֱ�� Composition Department have also traveled to Detroit to take part in the symposium. They will attend keynote addresses, master classes, Q&As, and panel discussions. Both students, <a href="http://isaacsantoscomposer.wordpress.com">Isaac Santos</a> and <a href="http://jakeberran.com">Jake Berran</a>, have had their works performed by the 91ֱ�� Contemporary Music Ensemble, under Weiss' direction. </p> <p>Weiss' work with the 91ֱ�� Contemporary Music Ensemble over the last three decades has expanded the repertoire heard on the Conservatory's stages, and inspired young musicians to champion the work of living composers. In recent years, Weiss has focused on amplifying the voices of underrepresented composers. He believes this work squares beautifully with the purpose of the Resonate project. </p> <p>“The Resonate project is a perfect fit for 91ֱ��—from how we celebrate the creation of new music to how our students are animated by the school’s small ensemble culture," says Weiss. He adds, “This is a great opportunity for our students to engage in community outreach and interact with the composers and performers from the other institutions.”<br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Multi-year collaboration results in 91ֱ�� ensembles performing new works by composers of the African Diaspora</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-04-14T12:00:00Z">Fri, 04/14/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Two years in the making, 91ֱ�� Conservatory students and faculty are in midtown Detroit, April 14-15, to participate and perform in the <a href="https://detroitchamberwinds.org/programs/resonate/">Resonate Chamber Music Symposium</a>, held at <a href="https://thecarrcenter.org/about/history-of-the-carr-center/">The Carr Center</a>—an organization dedicated to showcasing Black arts and artists. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2596">Conservatory Tours</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/michael-frazier" hreflang="und">Michael Frazier</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/timothy-weiss" hreflang="und">Timothy Weiss</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/conducting-and-ensembles" hreflang="und">Conducting and Ensembles</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Faculty composer Michael Frazier receives ovation for a performance in Finney Chapel.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>The Cleveland Orchestra Releases Album of Compositions by George Walker ’41</h1> <p>jreinier — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:18:34 +0000</p> <span>The Cleveland Orchestra Releases Album of Compositions by George Walker ’41</span> <span><span>jreinier</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-11-03T16:18:34-04:00" title="Thursday, November 3, 2022 - 16:18">Thu, 11/03/2022 - 16:18</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>On November 4, the orchestra releases a new album dedicated to the music of George Walker, 91ֱ�� Conservatory class of 1941, and a trailblazing composer. Recorded between October 2020 and March 2022, the album spans 50 years of the composer’s impressive career. Its release falls shortly after the 100th anniversary of his birth. </p> <p>Born in Washington, D.C., Walker attended 91ֱ�� as a scholarship student and graduated with highest honors when he was merely 18. After graduating, he marked many firsts for Black musicians in the classical music world: he attended the Curtis Institute of Music and Eastman School of Music, becoming the first Black musician to receive master’s and doctoral degrees from the respective institutions. He received a Fulbright fellowship and a John Hay Whitney Fellowship in 1957, allowing him to spend two years in Paris to study with Nadia Boulanger (whose students also included the likes of Aaron Copeland, Elliott Carter, and Philip Glass). </p> <p>During his career as a concert pianist, he was the first Black instrumentalist to present a recital at Carnegie Hall and to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra. And in 1996, at age 73, he was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize in Music.</p> <p>Welser-Möst admires Walker’s music for its complexity and surprise. “You find he's quoting a gospel, in a well-trained, free-spirited way. There is an intensity and a real voice which I enjoy enormously.”</p> <p>This recording features acclaimed soprano Latonia Moore in <em>Lilacs</em>, who has recently performed as Billie in <em>Fire Shut Up In My Bones</em> and as Serena in <em>Porgy and Bess</em> with the Metropolitan Opera. </p> <p>The Walker release will be available worldwide November 4, via international retail outlets, and the Cleveland Orchestra Store. It is also available on <a href="https://lnk.to/clevelandwalker">digital music services</a>. Physical sets of Cleveland Orchestra audio recordings can be purchased through the <a href="https://cleveland-orchestra-store.myshopify.com/collections/cds/products/george-walker-cd">Orchestra’s Store</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The recording features Walker’s Lilacs for voice and orchestra, which won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1998, as well as Antifonys for string orchestra and Sinfonias No. 4 and No. 5.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-11-03T12:00:00Z">Thu, 11/03/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Joshua Reinier</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For the past 21 years, the Cleveland Orchestra’s music director, Franz Welser-Möst, has constantly pursued modern and contemporary works to perform—and in recent years, to record as well. “There’s so much to discover. There's so much great music which gets overlooked,” says Welser-Möst. “But we believe in this music and that’s why we are doing it.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2974">Conservatory Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=33331">Composition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/contemporary-music" hreflang="und">Contemporary Music</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of the Cleveland Orchestra and Frank Schramm</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>