UBC High Notes

2009-2010 Season UBC High Notes The newsletter of the School of Music at the University of

I am delighted to welcome you to the eleventh edition of High Notes, in which we celebrate the recent activities and major achievements of faculty, staff and students in the UBC School of Music. I hope you enjoy this snapshot, which captures the diversity, quality, and impact of our activities and contributions — we are a vibrant community of creators, performers, and scholars! I warmly invite you to read about the School of Music in these pages, and to attend many of our performances in the coming months and years. The 2009-10 year is a significant anniversary for the School. UBC established its Department of Music in 1947 under the leadership of Harry Adaskin, and initially offered B.A. degrees with a major in Music. The Bachelor of Music degree was then developed with the first students entering in September 1959 (by which time the faculty also included other Canadian musical trailblazers like Jean Coulthard and Bar- bara Pentland). These 50 years have witnessed an impressive expansion in our degree programs, so that we now offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in performance, music education, composition, music theory, musicology, and ethnomusicology. What started with a few dozen students has grown into a dynamic and diverse community of over 300 undergraduates and 130 graduate students. Music is thriving at UBC, and we continue to witness exciting increases in the size, quality, and scope of our programs. Our 50th Anniversary year is an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the generous support the School has received from many donors, and with admiration on the countless contributions to musical performance and education that scores of faculty and thousands of alumni have made over the past five decades — throughout BC, across Canada, and around the world. Every one of these individuals has helped to make the School of Music a vibrant and significant part of Canadian musical life. Their commitment and talent give us inspiration and confidence, and we enthusiastically look forward to our next half-century: to continued artistic vigour and growth, to attracting the finest students and to giving them the skills, experiences, and opportunities that help them pursue rewarding careers and thereby enrich the lives of their communities. During the coming year we will also complete the renovation of the historic Old Auditorium, one of the original UBC buildings. In the summer and fall of 2010 this beautiful revitalized concert hall and opera theatre will burst back to life as a marvelous performing venue for the School. We look forward to the delight it will bring music lovers throughout the community. I hope this edition of High Notes will reinforce your interest in our activities, encourage your participation, and inspire your support. For information about our concerts and programs, or about how you can support, the Old Auditorium renovation project or our music scholarship endowments, please visit our website at www.music.ubc.ca. I also welcome any ideas, questions, or comments you may wish to share with me. Thank you for making our music part of your world! Sincerely,

Richard Kurth Professor and Director, UBC School of Music

2 UBC High Notes Publications and lectures

ur faculty are prodigious writers and Michael Tenzer Olecturers. Here is a selection of their Presented lectures and workshops as scholar-in- publications and engagements. residence at Florida State University School of Music in Tallahassee, March 2009. Richard Kurth Presented two invited lectures, “Interacting Nathan Hesselink Solitudes: Analytical and Interpretive Approaches Presented “Lee Seng Kang’s The Song of Hope: to György Kurtág’s Kafka Fragments” at the Music and Identity Politics in Contemporary University of Chicago on December 5, 2008. South Korea” at the International Association for the Study of Popular Music International Presented “Gestures and Pathways in Kurtág’s Conference: “Popular Music Worlds, Popular , Op. 24” at the University of Kafka Fragments Music Histories,” Liverpool, UK, July 2009. Washington on January 16, 2009. His book review of Michael Cherlin’s Schoenberg’s Musical Presented “SamulNori Fusion Projects as Imagination appeared in the Journal of the Educational Ambassadors on a Global Stage” at American Musicological Society 62/1, 2009, 243- the 30th Anniversary of SamulNori International 252. Symposium, Seoul, South Korea, January 2009. Published “ ‘Yŏngdong Nongak’: Mountains, John Roeder Music, and the SamulNori Canon.” Acta Koreana An entire special issue of Music Theory Online 12.1:1-26 (2009). (Vol. 15, No. 1, March 2009) was devoted to John Roeder’s SSHRC-funded research Robert Taylor into “Transformation in Contemporary Art Wrote a chapter for the book “Teacher Resource Music.” The issue included articles by John Roeder Guide: Prospect, by Pierre LaPlante,” Teaching and four UBC PhD. students in music theory: Music Through Performance in Band, Vol. 1 Stephanie Lind, Scott Cook, Mustafa Bor, and (revised), December, 2009. Robin Attas. http://www.teachingmusic.org/ Alan Dodson Presented “Charting the Journey from the Head Published “Performance, Grouping, and to the Heart: A simple (and playful) approach Schenkerian Alternative Readings in Some to rehearsal preparation for conductor-teachers,” Passages from Beethoven’s ‘Lebewohl’ Sonata.” at the British Columbia Music Educator’s Music Analysis 27/1, 2008, 107-134. Association, Surrey, BC, October, 2009. Presented “Phrase Rhythm and Performance in Presented “The Three Hats of the Music Three Chopin Preludes.” at the annual meeting of Educator: Finding Balance Among Multiple the Canadian University Music Society, Carleton Roles,” at the Midwest International Band and University, Ottawa, May 2009. Orchestra Clinic, Chicago, IL, in December 2009. Presented “Schenker’s Performance of Chopin’s Terence Dawson Preludes.” at the annual meeting of the Royal Was a presenter and member of the jury for the Musical Association (UK) and the Society for National Piano Competition at the Canadian Musicology in Ireland, Royal Irish Academy of Federation of Music Teachers’ Association’s Music, Dublin in July 2009. National Conference held at Mount Allison University in July 2009. His lecture/workshop was Alexander Fisher entitled: “Plays Well With Others: Collaborative Published an edition of Anton Holzner’s Viretum Piano and the Developing Young Musician”. pierium (Munich, 1621), a collection of early Baroque sacred concertos from the court of Bavaria, in September 2009 by A-R Editions.

UBC High Notes 3 Appointments, Awards & Research

he UBC School of Music Contemporary Canada, and an praised for his contribution to Tis going through an Applied Ethnomusicology course the learning environment in exciting renewal process. The with a focus on the impact of his studio and in the school, Old Auditorium is transformed music in the communities of the his impact on students’ musical through bricks and mortar. Downtown East Side. development and overall New appointments, recent education. Dr. Konoval was awards recognizing our recognized for his music courses Lorna McGhee was recently faculty and their research for non music-majors, and appointed International Fellow accomplishments represent as an energetic advocate of in Flute at the Royal Scottish other transformations: interdisciplinary teaching and Academy of Music for a three- research through the Arts One year term. This is a visiting This fall UBC School of Music program. Through his lectures position that involves giving welcomed three conductors as and lecture recitals, Brandon masterclasses and recitals each new full-time faculty members: nurtures understanding of music year. Dwight Bennett as Director of in students from a wide range of the UBC Symphony Orchestra; backgrounds. Dr. Graeme Langager as In January 2009 the Comox Director of Choirs; and Valley Youth Music Centre Nathan Hesselink is involved Dr. Robert Taylor as Director (CYMC) announced the in a new multi-year research of Bands. See page 5 for more appointment of John van project. Professor Nam-Lin Hur information on our new Deursen as its new Head of the from Asian Studies (chair) and conductors. Classical Program. Hesselink (deputy chair) have recently secured an institutional Jasper Wood won the East Coast grant award from the Academy Music Award for “Classical of Korean Studies (Korean Recording of the Year” in governmental agency), which March 2009 for his recording will bring approximately one A Child’s Cry from Izieu – the million dollars to UBC over Complete Works for Violin and the next five years to conduct Piano by Oskar Morawetz on research, hold conferences, and the CeltreDiscs label. This is the sponsor concerts and exhibits. Dr. J.S. Kofi Gbolonyo third time Jasper has won at the UBC was chosen as one of three East Coast Music Awards. He schools this year (out of a pool of We also have two one- also won in 2004 and 2005. 22). UBC is the first Canadian year appointments in the university to be so recognized. Ethnomusicology Division. As Visiting Assistant Professor of In April 2009, two UBC Music Ethnomusicology, Dr. J.S. Kofi faculty members received the Rayne Graham, our wonderful Gbolonyo will be leading a Faculty of Arts Killam Teaching Student Advisor, received the new African Music and Dance Prize; Corey Hamm, Assistant Dean of Arts Award for Staff Ensemble, and will be teaching Professor, Piano, and Brandon Excellence in December 2008. undergraduate and graduate Konoval (MMus 1989, DMA Rayne has made countless courses in African music and 1996), Lecturer in Music and improvements in admissions and culture. Dr. Klisala Harrison, the Arts One program. This advising for the School. In other a postdoctoral teaching and award reflects the appreciation special news, Rayne gave birth, in research fellow, will be teaching and enthusiasm expressed by August, to her first child, Rowan. exciting courses on Popular students, alumni, and faculty Music, Aboriginal Music in colleagues. Dr. Hamm was

4 UBC High Notes Get to know our new faculty

Professor Dwight Bennett has Dr. Graeme Langager has Prior to his appointment at had an extensive international served as the Director of Choral UBC, Dr. Robert Taylor career. He studied with Karel Activities at the University of served as the Director of Bands Ancerl, Julius Herford, Franco Arkansas, and at Cuesta College at the University of Puget Ferrara, Kiril Kondrashin, and in San Luis Obispo, California. Sound in Tacoma, WA, and Bernard Haitink. After winning A native of Lethbridge, Alberta, Chair of the Performing Arts first prize at the Heinz Unger Dr. Langager received the Department at Eureka High Conductor’s Competition, Doctor of Musical Arts Degree School in northern California. Bennett conducted over 100 in Choral Conducting from He received Master of Music performances in North America the University of Cincinnati and Doctor of Music degrees in with the Canadian Opera College-Conservatory of conducting from Northwestern Company. He also conducted Music, and the Master of University, Bachelor of Arts complete symphonic cycles of Music Degree in Choral degree in Trumpet, and Music Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven Conducting from California Education from Humboldt and Brahms while serving as State University, Long Beach. State University. As a passionate Music Director and Principal He has studied under Earl advocate of music in the schools, Conductor of the Thunder Rivers, Stephen Coker, Lynn Dr. Taylor has adjudicated Bay Symphony Orchestra, Bielefelt, and Marc Hafso, and numerous music festivals and is and the Windsor Symphony. has received additional training in high demand as a rehearsal He was Assistant Conductor from Helmut Rilling, Anton clinician and guest conductor (Vienna State Opera), Resident Armstrong, Thomas Davies, throughout North America. Conductor (Canadian Opera John Alexander, and Robert Past engagements include Company), Chief Conductor/ Page. collaborations with a wide range Head of Music (New Israeli of international artists from Opera), Artistic Director Dr. Langager has taught in Allen Vizzutti, Gail Williams, (Royal Opera Canada), and California, Ohio, North and Ingrid Jensen, to Manhattan Principal Guest Conductor Carolina and Arkansas. He Transfer and Big Bad Voodoo (Ukrainian State Symphony is sought after as a clinician Daddy. Orchestra). Bennett was and guest conductor, and is an Director and Professor of Music active composer and arranger. at Lakehead University, and His choirs have performed later Director of the University throughout Europe and the of Toronto conducting program United States including such and Symphony Orchestra. prestigious venues as St. Peter’s In 2007, he was awarded the Basilica in Rome, Stefansdom title “Commendatore Stella in Vienna, Notre Dame in Paris, Della Solidarietà Italiana” from St. Nicholas in Prague, and St. the President of Italy for his Stephen’s in Budapest. contribution to Italian culture and art. UBC High Notes 5 Celebrating 50 years of the

his is a special anniversary year for us at larger concert events throughout the year. Tthe UBC School of Music. In September At events this fall, alumni H. Colin Slim 1959 the first Bachelor of Music students (BA ‘51), Diane Loomer CM (BMus ‘82), began their studies here at UBC. We will be plus School of Music friend David Lemon, celebrating from now until Fall 2010. You spoke about the impact of their education at will find many of our concerts this season the school, and the importance of arts in our feature alumni performers and composers society. and our faculty members past and present with other surprises throughout the year. The We are also delighted to announce that crowning event of the 50th anniversary will the School of Music 50th Anniversary be a gala concert opening the newly restored Scholarship Fund was established. We Old Auditorium in the Fall of 2010. welcome alumni and friends in the community to support this and other Director of the School of Music, Richard scholarships with gifts and pledges, which Kurth, has invited alumni and special friends directly benefit students at the School of of the School to speak before an assembly of Music. School of Music students and at some of our

1959 2009

Celebrating 50 years of the UBC MUSIC Bachelor of Music program

Photo this page L-R Patricia Unruh (BMus ‘78, MA ‘83), Ray Nurse and John Sawyer (BMus ‘62 – and member of our first graduating class!)

Photos next page: Five Decades of the School of Music

Piano Faculty spanning all five decades. L-R Robert Silverman, Rena Sharon, Alice Enns, Mary Tichner, Robert Rogers, David McCoy, Marjorie Hougham, Jane Coop, Kum Sing Lee

1960s UBC Choir and Orchestra. A few students that we know are in the photo: Sandra Webster, Lynn MacNeil, George Ross, Susan Baker, Doreen Oke, David Meek, Bruce Taylor, Martin Chambers, Axel Waldhouse, Bill Smigel, Bruce Moore, Judith Forst, Frank Robinson, Jim Pope, Jerry Sommers, Gary Brandon, Dave McMurdo, Bob Hamper, John Capon, Sandy Cameron and Kyler Page

1975 University Chamber Singers: Erica Northcott, Kathy Harder, Marlene Friesen, Debbie Givson, Charlene Callaher, Pat Cavanagh, Ben Heppner, Dennis Colpitts, Dan Bensler, Larry Nickel, Harry Loewen and George Austin

1987 Howard Bashaw in the listening room of the Music Library

1999 UBC Symphony Orchestra with Jesse Read conducting

2006 UBC Korean Music Ensemble directed by Nathan Hesselink

6 UBC High Notes Bachelor of Music Program

UBC High Notes 7 Musical ur faculty members are here, sessions, and media production for dance and drum course offered by a Othere and everywhere. Here film and television. visiting professor from Ghana, Dr. J.S. is a sampling: Kofi Gbolonyo. Violinist, Jasper Wood’s piano trio, This year, pianistRena Sharon Triple Forte, appeared at Dawson In July 2009, Nathan Hesselink honoured invitations to perform at City Music Fest as the festival’s first coordinated a series of events including celebrated halls and international classical act. Not a typical venue for free drumming workshops and a peace events. In November 2008, the trio, they performed and pre- concert of traditional Korean music, Sharon performed at the Kennedy sented workshops with bands Acorn, performed by the arts performance Center’s Terrace Hall in collaboration The Persuasions, and So Called. society from Seoul called Ullimteo. with renowned artists Susan Platts Wood also performed at the Cana- Ullimteo is led by master percussionist, and Brett Polegato for The Vocal Arts dian Federation of Music Teachers cultural asset designee, and director Society of Washington, DC. Sharon Association annual convention with of the National Center for Korean also performed at the Connecting pianist Edmund Dawe (Dean of the Traditional Performing Arts samul for Change Conference during the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music nori team, Mr. Choi Byeong Sam. One Peace Summit for the at the University performance featured three new works Dalai Lama Center for Peace in of Manitoba). by Hesselink, composed for samul nori October 2009 with Mario Frangoulis. ensemble (percussion), two of which A new UBC pep song, Hail! UBC, were world premieres. Sharon’s lecturing schedule included words and music by Stephen Guest Lecturer appearances at the Chatman, premiered at the University of Manitoba in February, 2008 President’s Blue and Gold and the University of Toronto in Revue and 2009 Big Block Club October. Next February, Sharon Awards Banquet. The song was will teach at the Eastman School also adopted by UBC and the of Music, and visit Nazareth UBC Department of Athletics. College in Rochester New York as a The UBC Symphonic Wind Distinguished Lecturer. She will then Ensemble and choirs recorded Photo: Martin Dee conclude her tour with a visit to the the song in time for the UBC Stephen Chatman University of Minnesota in April. Homecoming football game on September 26. Professor Emeritus Alan Thrasher Pianist Miranda Wong toured was invited by the Chinese University Europe with the Aventa Ensemble to Dorothy Chang’s TheErie of Hong Kong in September 2009 to perform an all-Canadian programme Canal for children’s chorus and present a colloquium address about of works at the A•DEvantgarde orchestra was premiered by the his recent research on the music of Festival in Munich June 14, 2009. Albany Symphony Orchestra March South China. In October, Thrasher The tour included a 60th birthday 20, 2009. One of our graduate gave a keynote address for the annual celebration for the eminent students, Benton Roark, assisted meeting of the European Foundation Danish composer, Poul Ruders, in with the arrangement. As part of for Chinese Music Research, held in Copenhagen. Upcoming projects the BC Scene Festival in Ottawa Brussels. include concerts in Montreal and last April, Chang’s Streams for solo Toronto. viola was performed During her sabbatical, Jane by violist Jethro Marks Coop travelled to eight We are happy to welcome clarinetist, for the NAC Chamber countries and played François Houle to the School this Music Series, and her twenty-eight concerts. Coop year to teach clarinet for the fall term. Chamber Variations was spent the first three months In addition to his busy performance performed in Suntory in Europe, with her husband and teaching schedule, François Hall, Tokyo, Japan George Laverock, in Aix-en- will compose a new work for the by the New Juilliard Provence. From there she 2010 cultural Olympiads featuring Ensemble in June. went to Berlin, Stockholm, the Bozzini String Quartet, pianist and Sweden, then travelled Marianne Trudel, and guitarist The UBC School of to New York, Saskatchewan, René Lussier. He has also founded Music has acquired and BC, performing the a new company called Ridgrunner a new set of African Photo: Nathan Hesselink complete Beethoven Sonatas Productions, which specializes in drums from Ghana to be for Piano and Cello with recording live performance, studio a part of a new African African drum Antonio Lysy. 8 UBC High Notes Miscellany Coop spent a week in residency in Shanghai presenting masterclasses Bassoon Music and a recital at the Conservatory. In Taipei (The Taipei University of the Arts) she performed concerts, and The surprising paths music takes you presented lectures and masterclasses Last season, Jesse Read gave an Arts Wednesdays presentation in Vancou- for three weeks. Melbourne, Australia ver about the bassoon and its repertoire. After the lecture, an audience was her next destination, then finally member contacted Professor Read, and bestowed upon him some very on to Maine, USA where she regularly old and valuable music for the bassoon: first editions of Milde’sConcert attends the Kneisel Hall Chamber Studies and some precious old German pieces for bassoon and piano. This Music Festival. This fall, Coop served music once belonged to a bassoonist in the Winnipeg Symphony in the as a Jury Member for the 2009 Honens 1950’s, and it was this owner’s son, Mr. Sepp Tschierwitz, who presented International Piano Competition in these treasures to Read. Tschierwitz was inspired to donate the music to Calgary. Read after hearing his lecture. Professor Read has since “played it forward” giving the music to one of his prized students with the suggestion that he In May 2009, cellist Eric Wilson and might like to “play it forward” at some point in his future career. guitarist Michael Strutt, presented an entire concert of world premieres for cello and guitar commissioned by Jazz Club; a performance with the with Chamber Orchestra of Europe as local composers from the Vancouver jazz quintet Fifth Avenue during the Guest Principal Flute. Pro Musica Society. The composers Vancouver International Jazz Festival Gamelan Gita Asmara, lead by were Tyler Belding (current 4th year in June; and a concert with Poetic Michael Tenzer, was featured on UBC student), Keon Birney, Teresa License as part of the BC Scene- CNN in June 2009 and can be seen at Connors, Craig Day, Arne Eigenfeldt, Literary Cabaret at the National Arts http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC- Dubravko Pajalich, Christopher Centre in Ottawa last April. 266337 Reiche and Teresa Richert. Pianist Corey Hamm continued Norman Stanfield was asked to In the summer, violist David his epic project of performing participate in the production of was one of the performers Rzewski’s mammoth piano work Harding the newly restored silent film about who premiered a new Phillip Glass The People United Will Never the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) work, Sextet, for strings at the Telluride Be Defeated! in cities including people, entitled In the Land of the Festival of Chamber Music. The Hong Kong, Singapore, Toronto, Headhunters, first produced by Edward musicians worked intensively with Calgary and London. Hamm gave Curtis. The collaboration culminated Glass and will be recording the sextet masterclasses and contemporary in a conference at the Getty Institute along with Schonberg’s music lectures at The Yong Siew Toh Transfigured in Los Angeles. Stanfield was a jury at two concerts in New York Conservatory (Singapore), Hong Night member of the 2009 Canadian Folk this December (2009). Kong Academy of the Performing Arts, The Glenn Gould School Music Awards in the Traditional This season our new Director of (Toronto), , Canadian Folk Music category. Bands, , will conduct The Swedish Institute (Minneapolis), Robert Taylor Elizabeth Volpé taught harp, several honour ensembles with young and other venues. Performing with coached chamber music, and musicians: the Southeast Alaska High The Nu:BC Collective he premiered participated in panel discussions School Honour Band in Petersburg, several new works by BC composers at Pacific Harp Institute at Bastyr AK (October 2009); University of including for bass Beyond Shadows University in July-August, 2009. Her Georgia Band Festival, in Athens, clarinet, cello, piano, percussion by arrangement of Dvorak’s Song to the GA, (January, 2010); the Washington UBC’s Dorothy Chang. Moon for harp and violin (or flute) was All-state Junior High Honour Band in performed by harpist Melody Stein, Yakima, WA (February 2010); and the The highlight ofLorna McGhee’s and violinist Patrick Austin. Volpé Montana Invitational Band Festival in summer was performing in a televised was invited as Guest of Honour at the Great Falls, MT (March 2010). Prom concert at the Royal Albert Hall as Guest Principal Flute with International Harp Contest in Israel Jazz trumpeter and pianist, Alan the London Philharmonic Orchestra. in October 2009, and is invited to Matheson’s recent highlights She was also involved in festivals perform at the American Harp Society included performances in Helsinki, in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Conference in Tacoma in July 2010. Finland in July with the Wade Mikkola Texas, and Australia. Upcoming Continued on page 10 Quintet and Duo at the Storyville highlights include a German tour

UBC High Notes 9 Continued from page 9

Heather Thomson once again ran the “Singer’s Retreat” over the summer, with her husband, Perry Price, in Sylvan Beach, NY. The two sessions, two weeks each, included Photo: Steven Lemay daily lessons, coachings, and acting classes. The program was expanded this year to include dance classes, where students learned the waltz, polonnaise, and language classes in German and Russian.

Early in 2009, Eugene Skovorodnikov toured Europe giving recitals in Italy, Germany, Spain and Montenegro. In October, Borealis String Quartet Skovorodnikov went to the Ukraine and Russia. In St. Petersburg he performed, as piano soloist, UBC’s Quartet-in-Residence Beethoven’s with Triple Concerto The Borealis String Quartet (BSQ), UBC’s Quartet-in-Residence, continue the St. Petersburg State Symphony to expand its repertoire and audiences. In the summer of 2009, they spent Orchestra. a month touring Taiwan giving performances, masterclasses and outreach Saxophonist Julia Nolan premiered events across the country. As a result, they have been invited to return in Concertino in February 2009, written 2010 to perform at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. They were the for her and the Edmonton Chamber Resident String Quartet at the 2009 Festival de Musica de Camara in Players by Canadian composer Aguascalientes, Mexico teaching and performing and performed two sold Dr. Charles Stolte. In January 2010 out houses as part of MusicFest Vancouver’s production of Labyrinth, with Nolan performs the premiere of music by Canadian composer, John Burke. Broceliande Concerto, written for In October the BSQ participated in the world premiere performance of her, and pianist Jane Hayes, by Israeli Sir John Taverner’s Miroir des Poèmes and Peter Berring’s Hervor, Maiden composer Jan Freidlin. King with the Vancouver Chamber Choir and Lafayette String Quartet at The Vancouver Opera production the Chan Centre. In New York in October 2009 they performed for the of John Adams Nixon in China, prestigious Peoples’ Symphony Concerts. The Quartet will continue their performed in March 2010, features work in the recording studio preparing two albums for the Chimei Culture a saxophone quartet, performed by Foundation in Taiwan, and completing projects for their new recording Saxophilia, within the orchestration. contract with the prestigious Canadian recording label Analekta. Saxophilia is made up of UBC Music faculty members Julia Nolan and David Branter, and two of our Sinfonia. As Co-Artistic Director de Montréal recorded and recently alumni Tony Sheppard (MMus for the Turning Point Ensemble, Mr. released Stride’s composition ‘95) and Colin MacDonald Berkman co-presented a discussion of Floatation Device. (BMus. ‘93). the ensemble’s educational program, In November 2009 Stride guest “Creating Composers: Nurturing conducted the Winnipeg Jazz Trombonist Jeremy Berkman can Life-Long Musical Expression Orchestra in an all Duke Ellington be heard on the CD New Code by Through Composition” at the 2009 program, featuring . the Peggy Lee Band, of which Jeremy BC Music Educators’ Conference. Far East Suite is a member. Recently released, While there, he presented jazz it was nominated for a Western Fred Stride’s arrangement of Peep, arranging sessions at the University of Canadian Music Award (The Peggy which won the 2007 International Manitoba. Lee Band performs at UBC January Jazz Arranging Competition, is the Rachel Iwaasa prepared a new 13). On the more traditional side, lead track on a new Summit Records scholarly edition of Jean Coulthard’s Jeremy performed as soloist for CD Comet’s Trail featuring Randy Piano Sonata No. 2. It is published by Johann Albrechtsberger’s Concerto Brecker (trumpet) and Mike Stern Avalon Press. in October with (guitar). Le Big Band de l’Université forBruce Trombone Pullan

10 UBC High Notes Recordings Jesse Read Stephen Chatman Sound of Baroque A Chatman Christmas VMS Musical Treasures Centrediscs Jesse Read, bassoon and Choral music by Stephen Wolfgang Basch, trumpet. Chatman, performed by UBC Works in the new stile moderno Singers, Bruce Pullan, director. of the early baroque era.

Michael Tenzer Stephen Chatman Let Others Name You Earth Songs New World Records Centrediscs (New York) Music by Stephen Chatman, Featuring five recent performed by CBC Radio compositions by Michael Orchestra, Alain Trudel, Tenzer: two for piano, one for conductor, UBC Singers, orchestra, one for gamelan, Eric Wilson, Gwen Thompson, and one for gamelan mixed with Sara Davis Buechner, Patricia Western instruments. Hoy, Julia Nolan, Sandra Joy The cover shows an Indonesian Friesen and Joy Yeh. shadow puppet.

Turning Point Ensemble Stephen Chatman Liquid Devil’s Dance ATMA Classique CLEF Records Turning Point Ensemble with The Warszynski Trio François Houle, clarinet CD includes Stephen Works by Korsrud, Plamondon, Chatman’s In memoriam Houle and Scelsi. Harry Adaskin

Borealis String Quartet Brenda Fedoruk flute, CHIMEI Culture Foundation Sarah Fryer mezzo-soprano Recorded with the beautiful I Rememer Italian instruments loaned by This recording project explores the CHIEMI Culture Foundation, love, loss, patience and the this new CD recording by the quest of the spirit. Includes Borealis features Beethoven and world premier recordings of Mendelssohn. Michael Cohen’s From the Wall (poetry by an anonymous prisoner) and Owen Underhill’s Rena Sharon Remember (text by Christina Frauenliebe und Leben Rossetti) and other works ATMA Classique by Michael Cohen, Jake Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano Heggie and Andre Previn. and Rena Sharon, piano. Works Collaborating artists include by Robert Schumann, Clara pianist Jane Hayes, cellist Schumann and Johannes Zoltan Rozsnyai and harpist Brahms. Rita Costanzi.

UBC High Notes 11 Photo: Brian Hawkes 12UBC High Notes Strings. Chamberfrom the UBC this annual musical offering No. 23and other works during featured in Paganini’s Caprice 2007 by Tierney Mary were in to thebequeathed School Violins century Gagliano Guitar andStrings. Two 18 composition) Concerto for Farshid Samandari’s (DMA Chamber StringsUBC in performedsoloist, with the Michael Strutt, guitar October 30,Recital Hall S for 2009/2010 UBC live performances at Some highlights ofour See our three conductors new inaction. . Concert Kathleen Tierney Memorial tring Fest: and Mary Dr. Robert Taylor conducting UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds Concert and Ensemble Wind Symphonic UBC conducting Taylor Dr. Robert Full concert listings at www.music.ubc.ca [email protected] To receive our weekly Hot e-mail us Sheet, at:

th

Photo: Brian Hawkes Dr. Graeme Langager conducting the University Singers University the conducting Langager Dr. Graeme Performances at the at Performances

Robert Taylor,Robert conductor Music ofthe Americas. repertoire for April feature will Celebration theme and the include works ofan Olympic concert The in will February Chan Centre February 11&April 17, Ensemble SymphonicUBC Wind Bennett,Dwight conductors & Graeme Langager and Beethoven Mass inC Beethoven Prometheus Overture perform Bach Magnificat inD, SymphonyUBC Orchestra will Choral UnionUBC with the University Singers, December 5,Chan Centre Choral Union University Singers and UBC UBC School of Musicof School UBC Performances at the at Performances UBC School of Musicof School UBC

Photo: Brian Hawkes Dwight Bennett conducting the UBC Symphony Orchestra Symphony UBC the conducting Bennett Dwight Dwight Bennett,Dwight conductor Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 Lohengrin and Parsifal and preludes from Wagner’s operas rich oforchestral program big, Their season withfinishes a Symphony No. 1 & Orchestra) and Brahms Arcticus (Concerto for Birds performs Rautavaara Cantus In March the orchestra Chan Centre March 19&April 16 SymphonyUBC Orchestra Languirand. Languirand. Mavor Moore, with Jacques by Harry Libretto Somers. by for Canada’s Centenary in 1967 famous enigmatic opera written Ensemble presents Canada’s Anniversary, Opera UBC For ofMusic’s the School 50th Chan Centre February 4,5,6&7 Louis Riel SymphonyUBC Orchestra Opera EnsembleUBC & Kapustin. Shostakovich, Babadjanian and Music: Rachmaninoff,Scriabin, A Century Piano ofSoviet March 14,Recital Hall treasure. UBC’s oldest cultural and social of preview miss this peek sneak masterpiece. Don’tmagical theatre with Mozart’s timeless renovatednewly historic 1925 theBe first to experienceUBC’s Old Auditorium June 17,18,19&20 Zauberflöte Die renovated OldAuditorium performance in the newly presents preview aspecial Opera EnsembleUBC School ofMusic.School graduating from the UBC Performances by students May 26,Chan Centre Baccalaureate Concert hournoon concerts. for acomplete listingubc.ca, of our website,Visit www.music. Recital Hall Wednesdays, to April September Wednesday Noon Hours Corey Hamm in concert. the top four pianists perform will the end ofthe day. On March 7, with awinners announcement at 45-minute on March recital 6 finalistsEight perform each a March 6&7,Recital Hall (Piano) &Winners Concert MusicKnigge Competition UBC High Notes 13 pianorecital Irving A. Guttman Receives Instrument Loan Program

Honourary Degree On behalf of the UBC School of Music, Professor Jesse Read has arranged a partnership with Tom Lee Music and Yamaha Canada Music, who Irving A. Guttman, have offered to loan, as part of a North American was given one of 11 program initiated by Yamaha, a set of new Yamaha honourary degrees brass and woodwind instruments. The goal of awarded to individuals this partnership is to enhance the experience of for distinguished our music students’ training as music educators in career achievements in elementary and high schools. spring 2009. Guttman, who was instrumental Our efforts at UBC will be on educating these in starting opera students on how to teach with new instruments. companies in Students here will focus on forming good habits Winnipeg, Vancouver, and learning how to develop healthy skills while Edmonton, and Regina, received his degree at the using first-rate instruments. The collection May 20 convocation ceremony when School of includes 10 flutes, 10 clarinets, 5 trumpets, 5 Music graduates received their degrees. horns, 5 baritones, 5 trombones, and a tuba. Next term, oboes will be included in the loan program.

Rogers’ Bösendorfer donated to the UBC School of Music

In January 2008, the UBC Music community lost a dear friend and colleague at the passing of Robert Rogers, a long-time and beloved Professor Emeritus. This past summer, his wife Mary Rogers donated their Bösendorfer grand piano to the UBC School of Music. The instrument is now in the piano studio of Dr. Terence Dawson. He has said the following: the instrument is making music in these ways. Bob “As it is with any musician and their own was both an inspiring teacher to his students and instrument, Bob and Mary loved their an exceptional musician to work with. The School Bösendorfer. The Austrian made piano is perfect of Music is indeed grateful to the Rogers family, for the repertoire that held a special place for Bob: and it is meaningful to me as Bob’s colleague and that of Schubert and Mozart. When I hear my friend to have the piano in my studio. Those on the own students playing this music, and in coaching faculty that knew him understand the relevance of two piano repertoires, I know he would be thrilled this generous gift.”

14 UBC High Notes Spotlight On Opera

Gina McLellan and Adrian Glaubert with the UBC Opera Ensemble in China Photo: Jay Lee

he summer and fall of 2009 had Professor Staged productions presented at the Chan TNancy Hermiston, Head of the Voice and Centre this fall were Suor Angelica and Gianni Opera Division and the UBC Opera Ensemble Schicchi, both one-act operas by Puccini. The performing on three continents. After exams in spring will feature Harry Somers’ masterpiece, April, the Opera Ensemble travelled to China for Louis Riel, accompanied by a major symposium the first time, to perform to sold out performances organized with participants from the First Nations’ in Beijing and Chengdu. The warm reception and Community, Métis Nation BC, the Faculty of Law, enthusiastic interaction between the audiences, Green College, the Museum of Anthropology, university students and professors, and our UBC with several partners from our UBC community. students and faculty was a thrilling experience for all. Professor Hermiston, Richard Epp, and Helen The major highlight of this 2009 – 2010 season Chen Lee each gave masterclasses. will be the trial run of the newly renovated Old Auditorium. It is a dream come true for Professor In June, shortly after returning from China, Hermiston and the UBC Opera Ensemble. Professor Hermiston and Music Director, Richard To celebrate, they will present Mozart’s Die Epp, took the ensemble to the Czech Republic, Zauberflöte, June 17,18,19 & 20. We invite you where they performed Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte to join us for the re-opening of one of UBC’s first and Bizet’s . In 2010, they will return and most important buildings. to perform Puccini’s La bohème, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and Dvorak’s Rusalka. On route back Our graduates are very busy and are making their to Vancouver, the ensemble stopped in Ontario mark on opera stages in Canada and the world. for the Westben Arts Festival in Campbellford, Read more about our alumni on pages 20 – 22. where they once again performed Cosi fan tutte. Returning home in August, the Bard on the We hope you will join us this season for our Beach stage was their outdoor home for concert performances and enjoy the talent and energy performances of the same opera with UBC of these fine young performers. The Stars of alumnus Leslie Dala conducting a chamber Tomorrow – Discover Them Today! orchestra.

Opera Teas at the Botanical Gardens and three wonderful performances with the Vancouver Symphony has kept them busy since classes resumed in the fall.

UBC High Notes 15 Student News

Current DMA student, Russia, was the Second Prize December 5, 2009 at the Timothy Corlis, received winner and the winner of Orpheum with Evan Mitchell a 2009 Juno nomination Best Performance of Jean conducting. Trew’s work will in the category of Classical Coulthard’s Preludes. Alexander be performed by the VSO on Composition of the Year for immigrated to Calgary at age March 13, 2010. his work Notes Towards A Poem ten and is currently studying That Can Never Be Written. at the Oberlin Conservatory Jared Miller was also a featured under Professor Angela Cheng. composer and performer at Pianist Charles Lee won Yue (Sunny) Qu, Third Prize the unveiling of Steinway & the 2009 UBC Concerto winner, studied at the School Sons first Haida “Art Case” Competition. Lee performed last year with Sara Davis grand piano Kuniisii - Music & Liszt’s Totentanz with the UBC Buechner. Thornhill, Ontario Mythology on July 23, 2009. Symphony Orchestra at the is home to Daniel En-Hao The event was part of the Chan Centre on April 4, 2009. Lin who received Fourth Prize. celebration for the Vancouver The 2010 competition will Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree Convention Centre expansion. be held Saturday, January 23 from the University of Toronto Maestro Bramwell Tovey and from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the and is continuing his studies Jared Miller performed before a Recital Hall. All are welcome to there in the Master’s Degree glorious backdrop of ocean and attend. program. Over $17,000 in mountain views visible through prizes and scholarships were the new building’s five-story awarded. The 2010 Knigge windows overlooking Coal Music Competition will be held Harbour. March 6 & 7. Paul Hung (2nd year flute Works by four UBC Music

Photo: Brian Hawkes performance major) placed students were chosen for the 2nd in the woodwind category Vancouver Symphony Orchestra of the Federation of Canadian (VSO) Jean Coulthard Music Festivals (FCMF) Readings for emerging BC national competition held in composers: Kathleen Allan, Saskatoon August 13 – 15, Paul Levasseur, Jared Miller 2009. In October, he won the and Ryan Trew. Each year a New Westminster Symphony maximum of six orchestral Orchestra’s Second Annual works are selected. VSO Kiwanis Concerto Competition Assistant Conductor Evan for Young Musicians (Wind and Mitchell conducted the Brass, 2009). Devon Joiner with Dieter & Hanne-Lore Orchestra during the readings Knigge at the Orpheum on March 4, In November 2008, Caroline The 2009 Knigge Music 2009. Jang (then 4th year student) Competition (Piano) was received a $1,000 bursary prize held at UBC on February Jared Miller (4th year at the Jeunes Ambassadeurs 21, 2009. Devon Joiner won composition student) and Lyriques 2008 competition. the First Prize of $5,000, a Ryan Trew (current DMA The competition was held in $2,000 scholarship, and a solo student in composition) were Montréal and had over 30 recital at UBC this season. chosen by the VSO to each competitors from all over the Joiner is now in his fourth year write a piece for their Olympic world, with a Gala Concert at UBC studying with Jane Commissioning Project for held at Pollack Hall at McGill Coop. Alexander Malikov, their 2009 –10 season. Miller’s University on November 18. originally from Volgograd, work will be performed on

16 UBC High Notes MasterClasses

Shlomo Mintz with viola student Thomas Beckman Photo: Laurie Townsend

he UBC School of Music is proud to offer was in town performing recitals for Music in the Tstudents the opportunity to learn one-on-one Morning. with some of the world’s esteemed musicians from A co-presentation with Music in the Morning. a variety of genres and disciplines. Some highlights of this year include: Nadina Mackie Jackson, bassoon and Guy Few, trumpet Shlomo Mintz Workshop – October 28, 2009 Violin Masterclass – September 28, 2009 As Duo Affinité, Nadina Mackie Jackson and World-renowned violinist and guest artist with the Guy Few performed earlier in the day on our Vancouver Symphony. Wednesday Noon Concert Series. In the evening they presented a special “confrontation” with This masterclass was presented in partnership with music, life and the world. In their workshop there the Vancouver Symphony and Vancouver Academy was a mixture of coaching and discussion. of Music, and was sponsored by Jemini Foundation and Telus. Russell Braun Celso Machado Voice Masterclass – February 1, 2010 Brazilian Rhythm Workshop Guest artist with the Vancouver Symphony – September 30, 2009 Orchestra Brazilian guitarist, singer, percussionist and multi- “Thrilling, manic, glorious, superbly sung and instrumentalist, Celso Machado is “A one man malevolently acted, rich, powerful, elegant, soft- compendium of Brazilian diversity”. grained, and spine-tingling” are but a few of the epithets the media have used to describe Canadian – Detroit News The class was held after Machado gave a solo recital opera sensation Russell Braun. for our Wednesday Noon Concert Series. Presented in partnership with the Vancouver Symphony and sponsored by the Jemini Foundation. Thomas Hecht Piano Masterclass – October 2, 2009 Eve Egoyan Head of the Piano Department at Yong Siew Piano Masterclass – March 10, 2010 Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore National Guest artist with Music on Main University, Hecht was in Vancouver as a jury “Egoyan’s remarkable playing balanced that member for “Unheard Notes” The 2009 delicacy with intense focus, holding all in a net… International Piano Festival in Vancouver for the spaces in between the notes were still charged People with Disabilities. with presence…I even found myself confusing “ One of the best piano masterclasses held in this sound with touch…so convincingly had Egoyan room in recent years” Jane Coop restitched our reference points.” – Globe and Mail, 2007 James Ehnes A co-presentaion with Music on Main. Violin Masterclass – October 8, 2009 Canadian violinist, and multiple Grammy award For details, and news of other masterclasses winner, worked with four of our students while he and concerts, visit www.music.ubc.ca.

UBC High Notes 17 Old Auditorium Restoration Project Construction photos: J. Evan Kreider

The restoration and renovation of UBC’s historic Old Auditorium is well underway and on schedule. Improvements on the 1925 building include a hydraulic lift orchestra pit, a new costume shop, an extension to the backstage area including a set lift, and high tech audio visual teaching and recording tools. Sneak peek preview performances will be given this June with a gala opening event in the fall. Images on this page are of architectural decorative details which will be preserved and restored plus images taken during the demolition stage with preparation for the orchestra pit installation. Architectural detail photos: Dominic Schaefer

18 UBC High Notes Doctors Passionate about Helping Students Photo: Tim Swanky

BC alumni Glen and Margaret Carlson are life-long pianist whose interest in music started as Udetermined to help students pursue their early as kindergarten. dreams. “We’re so glad to have an opportunity to support “Going to university was probably the best decade the School of Music and its students,” says Glen, of my life,” says Glen, who considers himself who became excited about the project after fortunate to be able to give back to UBC since meeting legendary mezzo-soprano, Judith Forst graduating in medicine in 1960. (BMus ‘65) and Canadian tenor, Ben Heppner (BMus ‘79). As retired family practitioners in Merritt, BC, Glen and Margaret were the first major supporters The Carlsons recognize the impact education has of the Old Auditorium Renewal Project. Their on a student’s life. significant gift will help create a state-of-the-art “After all this time, I still feel that education is facility for students at the School of Music. the key to everything,” stresses Glen. “University A self-proclaimed “opera nut,” Margaret (MD ’64) provided a much broader look at life and gave me has travelled the world to attend performances. “I the opportunity to experience much of what the just carry the bags,” jokes Glen of their frequent world has to offer.” trips to The Met, San Francisco Opera, and “And we want to ensure that young people have elsewhere as well as their support for Vancouver the same opportunities we had in our day,” says Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria. Margaret. “We saw the potential of the Old Aud,” recalls Margaret of their first tour of the building with “We are so grateful for the vision and generosity Nancy Hermiston, Head of the Voice and Opera of Glen and Margaret Carlson. On behalf of Division. “A modern facility will provide students the School of Music and the entire community, with professional experience that they can use on thank you for supporting the renewal of the Old stages around the world.” Auditorium, which will have a lasting impact on “We are excited that this professional venue will generations to come.” enhance the cultural life at UBC,” says Margaret, a –Richard Kurth, Director, UBC School of Music

UBC High Notes 19 Thank you!

Thank you to the many alumni, parents, students, researchers with a world-class environment in corporations, foundations and other friends which to practice their art. At UBC we recognize that help make the UBC School of Music an the critical role music plays in creating a civil and outstanding place to learn and experience music. sustainable society, and with your help, we are Your philanthropy helps our talented young actively engaged in training the cultural leaders of students achieve excellence, encourages the tomorrow. pursuit of knowledge and discovery, and supports teaching, learning and performance at the highest The list of UBC Music Donors recognizing level. contributions normally appearing on these pages, will be replaced this year by a special listing in a Generous donor support has enabled the School spring publication as part of the School’s 50th to provide outstanding performers, teachers, and Anniversary celebrations.

Alumni Making Waves Gwen Seaton (BMus ‘04) Orchestra in November of won a full-time position with 2008. Prior to joining the the Vancouver Symphony as HPO, she served as General 2nd Bassoon. She joined the Manager with the Vancouver- orchestra in September 2009. based vocal ensemble, musica After graduating from UBC, intima.

Gwen continued her studies Photo: Robert DiVito at Rice University and was In October 2009 violist a member of the Louisiana Nicolò Eugelmi (BMus ‘92, Philharmonic Orchestra. MMus ‘97) joined the Fine Arts Quartet based at the Nicolò Eugelmi Laurel Parsons (MA ‘91, PhD University of Wisconsin- ‘03) has accepted a full-time Milwaukee. Of personal the Year for his work Flanders position as Tutor in Humanities significance and special honour, Fields Reflections, originally (Music) at Quest University his Professor while at UBC, commissioned by Sinfonia Canada in Squamish, BC. Gerald Stanick held this same Toronto. “I was asked to . . . chair with the Quartet from capture some aspect of their Violinist Karl Stobbe, (BMus 1963-1968. season’s theme, War and Peace. ‘94) Concertmaster of the It dawned on me that a perfect Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Mezzo-soprano Gina Oh (BMus vehicle would be to musically gave a masterclass at the school ‘98) sang at the Presidential interpret some of the important September 14, 2009 while the House in South Korea and lines from John McCrae’s famous MCC was on tour performing in was greeted by the First Lady. poem, In Flanders Fields. . . . Vancouver. Karl is also Associate Vancouver born soprano, Dr. when people hear it, they seem Concertmaster of the Winnipeg Gina Oh was honored as one drawn to the slowly unfolding Symphony Orchestra. of the most influential Korean sadness of the fourth movement This masterclass was sponsored Women Of The World of 2008. which is titled, ‘Loved and Were by the Chan Endowment Fund Representing Canada, she stands Loved.’” Burge was recently in through the Chan Centre for the out as a cultural ambassador New York for the American Performing Arts. through music and song. premiere at Lincoln Center Annelisa Pedersen (BMus ‘00) March 29, 2009 John Burge of his Mass for Prisoners of became Executive Director of (DMA ‘89) won the Juno Award Conscience, which he wrote for the Hamilton Philharmonic for Classical Composition of his doctoral thesis at UBC.

20 UBC High Notes In his new book Sonic Mosaics, New members this season are Vancouver Chamber Choir as Conversations with Composers, bass, Neil Craighead (BMus full-time Assistant Conductor, a Paul Steenhuisen (BMus ‘87, ‘09) and soprano, Simone position created specifically for MMus ‘90) offers readers, through Osborne (DMPS ‘09). Simone’s him. Trotter will conduct two interviews he had with 32 triumphs continue to subscription concerts a season, contemporary composers (26 of accumulate. Her New York and direct an adjunct ensemble, them Canadian), insight into the City recital debut took place Pacifica Singers, who will join creative process and listening to November 22, 2009 under the VCC for various programs. new music. The book has received auspices of the Marilyn Horne Hussein Janmohamed (BMus rave reviews. Foundation and is a part of the ‘96, MMus ‘98) conducted the “On Wings of Song” recital National Ismaili Muslim Youth Contemporary Anthology of Solo series. Guitar Music for Five Fingers Choir in a performance for of the Right Hand (Mel Bay In October soprano, Simone the Inauguration Ceremony Publications) includes four Osborne was awarded one of the Delegation of the compositions by John Oliver of three Sylva Gelber Music Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa on (BMus ‘82), titled Sea Spray Foundation awards for 2009. December 6, 2008. Hosted by 1, 2, 3 & 4. This exciting new The Sylva Gelber Music His Highness the Aga Khan & publication includes new music Foundation Award was his family, delegates included that is fun to play, and shows established in 1981 and is the Prime Minister and former influences from jazz, folk, awarded to talented Canadian Governor General. The singers, classical, and contemporary music. artists under the age of 30. Canadian youth aged 16 to 27, performed in Montreal, As a final assignment for the Soprano, Rhoslyn Jones (BMus Vancouver, Calgary, and second–year piano pedagogy class, ‘02, MMus ‘04) continues her Edmonton to commemorate the UBC Music students are sent international successes with Golden Jubilee of His Highness out to teach in private studios. performances in Dresden the Aga Khan. Leading teachers in their field with the Colorado Symphony, assess their instruction techniques. and the Arizona and Most of these teachers are School Pittsburgh Opera of Music alumni, and as a mark Companies. She will of respect, they are called Master be returning to the Teachers. Master Teachers from Vancouver Opera as recent years include: Mary The Countess in their Tickner (former sessional spring 2010 production lecturer), David Vandereyk of Mozart’s Le nozze di

(BMus ‘86, MMus ‘89), Tara Figaro. Photo: Kevin Clark Wohlberg (BMus Brandon, MA Jennifer Farrell (MMus City University, London UK), Rhoslyn Jones ‘03, DMA ‘08), is Barbara Siemens (BMus ‘86, Mark McGregor (BMus ‘95, another one of our alumni MA ‘02), John Dupuis (MMus DMA student) and Rachel sopranos now gracing national ‘95), Yuko Tokunoh (BMus Iwaasa (DMA ‘07), as their and international stages. Farrell ‘98), Teresa Ho (BMus ‘83), and flute/piano duo Tiresias, is performing with Jeunesse Murray Nichol (MMus ‘96). premiered 3 works in Spring Musicale in Montreal for 2009: Three Scenes, Two Several UBC Music alumni are the 2009-2010 season and is Remembered and One Imagined members of the Canadian Opera appearing as Olympia in Les by UBC alumni Kara Gibbs Company Ensemble Studio. Contes d’Hoffmann. (BMus ‘04); Iimina by Maxwell Continuing members are Erin In the fall of 2009 John Davies, performed with Fisher (BMus ‘07) and Teiya Trotter (BMus ‘98) started Kasahara (BMus ‘07). his new appointment with the Continued on page 22 UBC High Notes 21 percussionist, Brian Nesselroad re-shape the industry. Through Symphony, as well as in her (DMA student); and In Arc’s sharing experience, knowledge own string quartet, and teaches Umbra by Gregory Newsome and wisdom each generation privately. (MMus ‘00). may view the future through a Christopher Kovarik (MMus new lens. We have 16 students The National Broadcast ‘95) is a Vancouver-based and 14 alumni this year with Orchestra (NBO) will give its composer, originally from three new mentors: Rachel gala opening concert on January Windsor, Ontario. Chris writes Lowry (BMus ‘04), Cameron 8, 2010 at the Chan Centre. in a multitude of genres, and Wilson (BMus ‘88) and The programme will include has received commissions and Hussein Janmohamed (BMus a new CBC-commission performances from various ‘96, MMus ‘98). by UBC alumnus Michael Canadian musical ensembles Oesterle (BMus ‘92) entitled and institutions. The Sparrow’s Ledger. This new Larry Nickel (BMus ‘77, DMA venture includes partnerships ‘07) is active as a composer, with the UBC School of teacher, music minister and Music and the Chan Centre. choral clinician. Larry’s music is The NBO will also perform published by Cypress, Shawnee, Prokofiev’sClassical Symphony, Classica, Pavane, Canadian which provided inspiration for International, and G. Schirmer Oesterle’s new work. Publishing. The Canadian Music Centre Farshid Samandari (MMus ‘07, celebrated its 50th Anniversary current DMA student), is very in 2009. To honour this active as President of Vancouver milestone, they recognized Pro Musica. Samandari’s 50 Canadian performers work was and conductors who have Concerto for Guitar performed by Michael Strutt played vital roles in shaping Hussein Janmohamed and the UBC Chamber Strings the Canadian music scene. in late 2009. Several of the 50 honoured are UBC Alumni: Judith In the 2009 induction Bruce Sled’s (BMus ‘98) music Forst (BMus ‘65, DLitt ‘91), ceremony at the BC Region of has received international Barbara Pritchard (BMus ‘83), the Canadian Music Centre six performances in Germany, Salvador Ferreras (PhD ‘05), UBC alumni were inducted as Australia, New Zealand, and and Jon Washburn who studied Associate Composers of the Egypt. Locally, his music musicology at UBC. Canadian Music Centre: has been performed by the Vancouver Cantata Singers, Our Alumni Mentorship Yvonne Gillespie (MMus ‘05) musica intima, The Canadian Program is now in its third year. is currently finishing a trio for Chamber Choir, Laudate, Chor The program matches current piano, clarinet, and violincello. Leoni and his choral music and students with alumni to meet Her children’s orchestra songs have been featured each periodically throughout the program, A Day at the Farm, year during Festival Vancouver year. During encounters with was performed by the Kamloops (now MusicFest Vancouver). their mentors, our students are Symphony in November 2009. shown some of the possibilities Elizabeth Knudson (MMus awaiting them after their degree. ‘06) Outside of composing, Another key aspect of the Elizabeth works as video program is to connect alumni director for the Vancouver to the emerging generation Symphony Orchestra, plays of musicians who will likely cello with the West Coast 22 UBC High Notes Vancouver International Song Institute

“One of the most inspiring musical experiences of my life. VISI integrates the creative music-making process with literal, physical, philosophical, and even scientific approaches, and is an ideal program for any curious and passionate singers and pianists.” 2009 VISI participant

Professor Rena Sharon is the Artistic Director of the Vancouver International Song Institute, building community song projects and interdisciplinary research links across North America and beyond. VISI, held at UBC, is an intensive interdisciplinary training program for emerging artists and their teachers dedicated to the promotion and innovation of Art Song through explorations of new practices for interpretation and performance.

Two groundbreaking courses framed the VISI experience in 2009: Retreat and Conference for Collaborative Pianists, and the Theatre of Art

Song. The Theatre course began with a workshop Photo: Brian Hawkes on “how to Sing and Write for Children” with Rosemarie Landry working with student the famed team of Rick Scott and Valley Hennell. VISI 2009 also hosted a Music Therapy conference on strategies for music therapy for children, in Vanderbilt, Eastman School of Music, Cinncinati alliance with the Music Therapy Association of Conservatory of Music, University of Manitoba, BC. A concert series spanning the city included University of Minnesota, and other institutions. performances at Vancouver’s Music in the Morning VISI 2010, will be held at UBC June 3-23 with series and Silk Purse Concert Society of West a focus on the Romantic Realm of Schumann Vancouver. and his Circle, and include a multi-faceted series of courses called “Collaborations”. Visit www. VISI’s faculty teach at Juilliard, New England songinstitute.ca for details and updates. Conservatory, Université de Montréal, Young Artist Experience Corey Hamm, Jasper Wood and Rena Sharon musicians. YAE included distinguished visiting were Co-Directors for the Young Artists artists David Jalbert (pianist), Alexander Suleiman Experience (YAE) chamber music summer (cellist), Infinitus (ensemble-in-residence), and intensive for high school and university age several returning faculty. YAE’s unique program students held in August at UBC. YAE 2009 expands musicality in youth with fantastic and attracted an enthusiastic group of talented young fun workshops on drumming, gamelan, theatre string and piano players. The chamber music sports, neuroscience, empathy and more. Visit performances at ArtsWay and other venues www.youngartistexperience.ca for details for YAE were fabulous, demonstrating to live audiences August 2010. the rapid musical development of these young

UBC High Notes 23 UBC High Notes School of Music 1959 6361 Memorial Road 2009 Vancouver, BC

Canada V6T 1Z2 Celebrating 50 years of the www.music.ubc.ca UBC MUSIC Bachelor of Music program Dina MacDougall: writer, editor

Laurie Townsend: writer, editor Special thanks to Isabel da Silva Media Group: design 3S Printing: printing Printed in Canada on 100% post-consumer fiber. Brian Hawkes: front cover photo J. Evan Kreider: back cover photo Cover Photo: UBC Symphony Orchestra, Dwight Bennett, conductor Back Photo: UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds, Dr. Robert Taylor, conductor