first chair

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Never has the value of making music been more apparent than amid the current pandemic, now that opportunities to do so have been so drastically curtailed. Until now, we’ve always taken for granted the privilege of sharing live music with our fellow human beings—whether informally or formally, whether as performers or audience members. The loss of those experiences has shown us just how vital they are and how crucial to our individual and societal well-being. And it vividly demon- strates the critical significance of the Bienen School of Music’s mission in further- ing this essential art form. In response to the crisis, the school’s faculty, staff, and students have displayed remarkable ingenuity and flexibility. This spring, faculty taught classes, gave lessons, and led rehearsals remotely; the Jazz Orchestra, Saxophone Ensemble, and other groups performed concerts via Zoom; the Dover Quartet offered remote chamber music coaching; and the spring opera was reimagined as an ambi- tious experimental film. Our students also recorded video performances that were featured in June’s online commencement and convocation ceremonies. I especially commend the adaptability of this year’s graduating class in adjusting to the radical reconfiguration of their final quarter of study. Although the prevailing challenges to musicians and per- forming arts organizations are immense, I remain confident that a Bienen School education prepares students not only to cope with current and future difficulties but also to take advantage of the many opportunities that will eventually await them. The Bienen School remains committed to offering the top-level instruction for which we are widely recognized. Although the school will present no public concerts this fall and will continue to offer most lessons and classes remotely, stringent safety precautions will allow a limited sequence of in-person rehearsals, lessons, and performance classes as well as opportunities for individual students to use our practice rooms. I am optimistic that our school community will rise above these difficult circumstances and approach the new academic year with renewed focus and resilience. By continuing to train our students as artist-scholars, the Bienen School prepares for the day when public music making can resume and our students, alumni, and faculty can again share their gifts with live audiences. For the world at large, the resumption of performances after this long drought will surely awaken a renewed appreciation for music’s vital role in our lives.

Toni-Marie Montgomery Dean 2

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14 10 fanfare Departments Feature FALL 2020 FIRST CHAIR OPUS 60 A Message from the Dean Northwestern University SPRINGING INTO REMOTE LEARNING NOTEWORTHY ...... 2 Bienen School of Music Faculty and students demonstrate ON THE CONCERT STAGE ...... 10 adaptability and ingenuity in navigating the challenges of spring quarter...... 6 FACULTY ...... 12

STUDENTS ...... 15

ALUMNI ...... 18

IN DEVELOPMENT ...... 23

DONORS ...... 24

Dean Photo credits Fanfare is the official Other correspondence Toni-Marie Montgomery Marco Borggreve, Ash Dye, magazine of Northwestern Fanfare Editor, Bienen School Natalie Escobedo, Getty University’s Bienen School of Music, Northwestern Editors Images, Matt Huesmann, of Music. University, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Katelyn Balling Kansas State University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-2405, Kingsley Day Bruce Powell, Todd Rosenberg, Address changes [email protected] Alana Rothstein, Grace Song, Director of Development Designer Forestt Strong Lafave, Anna Bienen School of Music ©2020 Northwestern Grace Delcano Womack, Nick Zoulek Northwestern University University. All rights reserved. 1201 Davis Street Produced by Global Marketing Evanston, Illinois 60208 and Communications [email protected] 9-20/9.9M/KD-GD/3043 Winter Opera: Die Fledermaus

As its winter quarter production, Northwestern Opera Theater particularly enjoyed Act II’s romantic waltz finale. “In addition to presented Die Fledermaus—a high-spirited tale of frivolity, the musical beauty of this song, there is a great deal of drama festivities, and a practical joke gone awry—in Cahn Auditorium unfolding among the characters,” she says. “Between mistaken for four performances, February 27 through March 1. Director identities, love triangles, and exacting revenge, it is an incredibly of opera Joachim Schamberger staged the operetta, with guest fun scene to perform and watch.” artist John Baril conducting the Northwestern University Eisenstein was played by Symphony Orchestra. Daniel Fleming, a master’s voice One of Johann Strauss’s most beloved works, Die Fledermaus student of W. Stephen Smith. premiered in Vienna in 1874. All the operetta’s characters are Fleming finds the operetta’s going to Prince Orlofsky’s ball but don’t want their nearest and themes still relevant today. “This dearest to know. Gabriel von Eisenstein evades jail for a night to is a show about infidelity and attend, and his wife follows him in disguise to find out whether revenge and the consequences he will misbehave. Adele, their maid, claims to be visiting her of those actions. I think these aunt, but she too goes to the ball. As the characters conceal their are, unfortunately, characteristics identities and get caught up in romantic escapades, a search for of the human experience.” the truth ensues. The sparkling production served as a stark contrast to fall “What I love about Adele is how ridiculous and stubborn quarter’s dramatic and powerful Chicago-area premiere of David T. she is. She is a woman who gets what she wants one way or Little’s Dog Days. The diverse opera season was set to conclude with another,” says undergraduate Megan Fleishmann, who played Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo in May, but that production became an online the role. “She spends a great deal of time pretending she’s some- opera project as a result of the pandemic (see next page). one she isn’t, and with that come a few uncomfortable moments Schamberger shared his excitement about offering such and social situations that seem impossible to work through.” dissimilar operas to students and audiences. “It’s remarkable that A voice student of Theresa Brancaccio, Fleishmann says all of these different shows we are doing fall under the umbrella she relished the piece’s comic and musical craftsmanship and of opera.” ] Stephen Alltop, Joachim Schamberger

Orfeo Goes Remote

When the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the coached students on character and interpretation but also on deter- Bienen School’s spring opera production, director of opera Joachim mining shot types, framing, timing, and screen direction. Each Schamberger reconceived Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo as an online project student filmed independently, which required great attention to —an experimental opera film, Orfeo Remote. detail in pinpointing each performer’s position within the scene; Often considered the first great opera, L’Orfeo tells the mythic students might appear “together” when in reality they were shot story of Orpheus’s journey to the underworld to rescue his love, separately and as far as thousands of miles apart. “While this is Eurydice. Schamberger set his modernized production in 1960s all very complicated, it also provides a wonderful learning oppor- America, juxtaposing the hippie movement’s ideals of free love tunity,” adds Schamberger. “Acquiring basic fluency in video and and connection with the current reality of pandemic-induced audio production will be increasingly essential for musicians.” isolation. “Orfeo is a story about loss, fear, and taking initiative,” A virtual panel discussion on May 22 gave audiences a glimpse says Schamberger. “In this regard it reflects our current experience of the exciting production as well as historical background on in society, and for artists in particular.” Monteverdi’s opera. Moderated by Drew Davies, chair of the Depart- Orfeo Remote is told from the perspective of La Musica, an ment of Music Studies, the panel featured special guest Jeffrey unemployed musician who takes initiative during a pandemic. Kurtzman, professor of musicology at Washington University in “She reaches out to colleagues to create an online Orfeo project,” St. Louis, as well as Schamberger, Alltop, associate professor of Schamberger explains. “In this way we explore our own experience musicology Linda Austern, doctoral candidate Jason Rosenholtz- through the power of myth, story, and music.” Witt, and voice student Nicholas Lin, who plays Orfeo. To prepare students, music director Stephen Alltop recorded “Orfeo Remote has become a project that excites me creatively every note of the opera at home on his harpsichord and chamber and makes me feel connected to my Northwestern peers in a new organ. These recordings provided accompaniments for Zoom coach- way,” says Lin. “During Zoom rehearsals, I am inspired by my cast- ings and reference tracks that performers used in recording their mates’ ingenuity, determination, sense of humor, and emotional music. Alltop and vocal coach Alan Darling prepared everyone sensitivity. Since almost all of the singers-turned-filmmakers are in the cast via Zoom. Students then recorded their individual out of their element, there is a real sense of vulnerability among us. performances from locations across the country. In total, the We are creating art in a new, remote way, and so we must overcome project required 1,400 separate audio recordings generated by unprecedented obstacles.” 60 performers. The final Orfeo Remote video will be released as a five-part Alltop says that for Bienen School vocal and instrumental stu- series on YouTube this fall. Orfeo Remote and related activities were dents, working on this project and this opera has been an educational supported by the Evelyn Dunbar Memorial Early Music Festival, gold mine. “It is amazing to consider that this ‘fable in music,’ as founded in 1998 through the generous support of Ruth Dunbar Monteverdi called it, is 413 years old but as relatable now as it would Davee and her husband, Ken M. Davee. Providing exceptional oppor- have been to the audiences of 1607. The variety of music is staggering, tunities for performers to prepare important masterworks with in both sonorities and emotions. From the loftiest joy to the deepest the guidance of leading scholars, the festival combines informed grief, it is all there in both glorious sound and timeless words.” performance and scholarly inquiry through master classes, pre- The student performers not only had to sing and act, they also concert presentations, and lectures. ] had to become recording engineers and filmmakers. Schamberger

fanfare FALL 2020 3 Bienen School faculty salute the class of 2020. Each graduate was congratulated on a personalized web page (see example on opposite page).

A Virtual Convocation

The Bienen School of Music celebrated the class of 2020 with In her remarks, Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery commended a virtual convocation ceremony presented in conjunction with graduates for their adaptability in adjusting to remote instruction Northwestern’s 162nd annual Commencement on June 19. The during the spring quarter. “Everyone viewing today’s virtual con- school’s ceremony included several student performances, vocation recognizes how particularly challenging the past several messages from faculty, individual recognition of student achieve- months have been for you,” she said. “The loss of in-person instru- ment, and an address by Grammy-winning composer Jennifer mental and vocal lessons, academic music classes, ensemble Higdon, 2018 winner of the school’s Michael Ludwig Nemmers rehearsals, and degree recitals will not define the Bienen class of Prize in Music Composition. 2020. The silence resulting from the loss of live performances and Northwestern’s virtual Commencement began with two music making only emphasizes the essential need for music and video performances by Bienen School students: Wagner’s “Fest- the arts in our everyday lives. marsch” from Tannhäuser, recorded by the Symphonic Wind “Despite these current and numerous challenges, I remain con- Ensemble, and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, performed by fident that the future is yours, and yours to change for the better,” class of 2020 Bienen School orchestra students. Commencement Montgomery continued. “You possess the skills and are prepared also featured Olivia Prendergast ’20 singing the national anthem not only to cope with difficulties that will arise along the way, but as well as a recording by the Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal to take advantage of the many opportunities that await you.” Ensemble of the Alma Mater as arranged by Kevin Vondrak Following Dean Montgomery’s remarks, Higdon encouraged ’17 MMus. students to lead an artful life and be open to all experiences.

“The silence resulting from the loss of live performances and music making only emphasizes the essential need for music and the arts in our everyday lives.” —Dean Montgomery

4 Former Dean Retires

Bernard J. Dobroski ’81 PhD, profes- Winner of a Pulitzer Prize and three Grammy Awards, Higdon sor of music education and former is one of America’s most acclaimed and frequently performed dean of the Bienen School of Music, living composers. retired at the conclusion of the Higdon declared that no matter what the graduates ended up 2019–20 academic year and was doing in their lives, their presence in, knowledge and practice of, named professor emeritus. and enthusiasm for music would be “a win-win situation. There Dobroski received a bachelor is no downside to sharing an art form that touches every single of fine arts degree in music perfor- person who walks this planet.” mance from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s in She also urged students not to wait until later to tackle things music performance and music history from the Catholic they feel passionate about. “Life is not a predetermined route. It’s University of America in Washington, DC. From 1968 to 1972, never what you expect, but that’s what makes it possible for you to he performed as a tubist and keyboardist with the US Navy scale the mountains of experience and to actually reach the stars Band, a soloist with the US Navy Concert Band, a conductor from time to time.” and performer with the US Navy Ceremonial Band, and a More than 70 Bienen School faculty members also shared leader of the US Navy Brass Quintet. He was an instructor advice and messages with the class of 2020 in a video salute to grad- and director of the Washington Youth Orchestra’s Prepara- uates. “It has been such a tremendous privilege and honor to share tory Wind Ensemble from 1969 to 1972. in your educational experience, and I hope this is something you From 1974 to 1985, Dobroski held various faculty will carry with you forever as you go forward in your lives and in and administrative positions—including assistant dean, your careers,” said director of bands Mallory Thompson. Associate director of undergraduate studies, and associate dean for professor of composition Jay Alan Yim added, “Take care of each administration—at Northwestern’s School of Music, where other, and keep your ears and your minds and your hearts open to in 1981 he earned his PhD in music education. In 1986 he the amazing power of music to touch other beings in ways that no became dean of the University of Oregon School of Music and other endeavor can Department of Dance, a position he held until 1990, when he even begin to do.” returned to Northwestern as dean of the School of Music. The virtual con - As the school’s sixth dean, Dobroski focused on faculty vocation ceremony and student recruitment, expansion of course offerings recognized each for nonmajors, and community engagement programs. Bienen School grad- During his tenure, the school established the Philharmonia uate individually with orchestra for nonmusic majors as well as new academic a slide and web page majors in music technology and music cognition and a joint highlighting the degree program in music and journalism. The Evelyn Dunbar student’s degree Memorial Early Music Festival debuted in 1996, and the first program, major, annual Winter Chamber Music Festival took place in 1997. and—for doctoral Other notable events of his deanship included a weeklong candidates—dissertation and adviser. Assistant deans Linda Jacobs 1992 celebration of John Cage’s 80th birthday with the and Patrick Zylka and graduate studies directors Mark Butler and composer in attendance and a yearlong celebration of James Giles read the graduates’ names to further personalize the the school’s centennial beginning in fall 1995. virtual experience. In 2003 Dobroski stepped down after 13 years as Northwestern hopes to invite all 2020 graduates back to dean and assumed the John Evans Professorship in Music, campus on June 12, 2021, to honor their accomplishments, subject teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the Bienen to confirmation as public-health guidance becomes clear. ] School and the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. He has served on the boards of a number of regional and Watch the convocation ceremony online at national organizations, including Lyric Opera of Chicago’s commencement.northwestern.edu/bienen. Ryan Opera Center, the Savannah Voice Festival, the Sherrill Milnes VOICExperience Institute, and the Chicago-based Bel Canto Foundation. ]

fanfare FALL 2020 5

Springing into Remote Learning

In mid-March Northwestern announced that all spring courses would move online to help protect the University community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring break was extended by a week to allow faculty to prepare for this unprecedented shift.

n Monday, April 6, the Bienen School of Music began a historic spring quarter. Rather than meeting in classrooms, studios, and rehearsal halls, students and faculty gathered virtually. Remote instruction Opresents particular challenges for a music school, but Bienen School faculty quickly sprang into action and demonstrated great creativity in adapting their courses and activities. Many had previous experience teaching through video conferencing systems, while others quickly embraced the new technology. Voice senior lecturer Theresa Brancaccio reported positive results from teaching applied voice online and said her students made great progress through Zoom lessons. “The ability of students to watch themselves on video during the lesson gave very valuable

Facing page: Desirée Ruhstrat feedback, and the bonus of receiving the recording after the lesson Above: Theresa Brancaccio allowed them to further process concepts and presentation.”

fanfare FALL 2020 7 Clockwise from top right: Mallory Thompson with conducting students; Susan Piagentini; Donald Nally; Gerardo Ribeiro

John Thorne, associate professor of flute, said video recordings provided students with objectivity and allowed them to analyze and improve their performances. “I also think that online instruction gave students more time for introspection,” he added. “For students today, the fast pace of life slowed down during the spring. This allowed the students to look within and to hear their own voice, and the ability to listen to one’s inner voice is the most important “Growth often comes during skill for any artist or musician.” In Thorne’s orchestral excerpts class, students focused on video- periods of challenge. I feel that recording multiple excerpts at a time, building up to six excerpts in all the students grew so much one take to increase concentration and simulate playing a live audi- tion. This also allowed students to develop a video library of excerpt over the spring quarter. It was performances to use for future festivals and professional auditions. heartening to see them rise to In his studio class, Thorne’s students recorded chamber music via Adobe Premiere, which allowed them to learn a new technology the occasion and succeed for remote ensemble performances. Students also enjoyed guest during this time.” presentations on career development from Elizabeth Rowe and Cynthia Meyers of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Jennifer —JOHN THORNE Gunn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

8 Clockwise from top: Sarah Bartolome in a Zoom class; Drew Davies; W. Stephen Smith

Several prominent guest artists joined the online composer that suddenly runs very high or with a very fast flurry of notes,” series hosted by director of choral organizations Donald Nally, who Ruhstrat said. “The objective is to collect such passages so they can transitioned his choral rehearsals into combined weekly Zoom be practiced together, making it easier when you are called upon sessions for all Bienen voice students. John Luther Adams, Caroline to play these pieces.” Individual members of the Dover Quartet, Shaw, Julia Wolfe, Eriks Esenvalds, and other esteemed composers the Bienen School of Music Quartet-in-Residence, met with small discussed their choral music as part of these seminars. groups of students by instrument via Zoom for weekly coaching Music education professor Steven Morrison remotely welcomed sessions to prepare their individual parts. Jeffrey Waraksa of Chicago Public Schools, Daniel Brame of Deer- Although faculty and students made great strides in adapting field Public Schools, and alumna Julia Shaw ’14 PhD of Indiana during challenging circumstances, several music classes—including University’s Jacobs School of Music as guest speakers in his course ensembles such as orchestra and band—were deemed less than on curriculum development. optimal to provide through remote instruction and were therefore String chamber music students advanced their proficiency canceled. The Bienen School waived the ensemble participation with infamous solo passages under the spring teaching model requirement for the spring quarter. But with more time to plan for developed by Desirée Ruhstrat, lecturer and string chamber pro- fall, faculty are reimagining many classes and activities that once gram coordinator. Based on the Naughty Bits book series, lessons seemed impossible to offer. gave students an opportunity to focus on the individual roles and “Growth often comes during periods of challenge,” said Thorne. responsibilities of their specific instruments within the chamber “I feel that all the students grew so much over the spring quarter. music repertoire. “For many works in classical chamber music, It was heartening to see them rise to the occasion and succeed instruments can be thrust into the limelight with a solo passage during this time.” ]

fanfare FALL 2020 9 on the concert stage

BY JERRY TIETZ what promised to be the best Northwestern University New Music Director of Concert Management Conference (NUNC!) yet were sadly postponed because of the growing health crisis. I hope that each of you has found opportuni- Our spring academic quarter always features the busiest ties to surround yourself with great music recital schedule of the year, so it was especially disappointing that during this strange period of isolation. Before our venues remained silent during that time. Many of our graduat- the quarantine began, our halls were filled ing students had long been preparing their final recitals and could with the music of Mahler’s searing Tenth not enjoy the audiences they so richly deserved. Symphony, Strauss’s raucous Die Fledermaus, Still, despite empty halls and hallways, music did permeate and the swinging blues of Count Basie. the Bienen School community throughout the spring. The Jazz Of course, updated public health guidelines forced the Bienen Orchestra offered two marvelous and well-attended concerts via School of Music—like most arts organizations—to cancel in-person Zoom. The launch of our “Faculty Picks” video series provided a spring concerts and events. I regret the many missed opportunities variety of music listening recommendations. It was also an oppor- to share the music of our students, faculty, and visiting artists. The tunity to rediscover the trove of content in our Davee Media Library, highly anticipated return of 2018 Nemmers Prize winner Jennifer which now also features the remarkable videos from our 2020 Higdon, a performance by renowned lutenist Robert Barto, and virtual convocation. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend you

Quarantine Videos A selection of videos produced during the remote spring quarter

Faculty Picks: Donald Nally In the “Faculty Picks” series, faculty share music they have been enjoying in isolation. Director of choral organi- zations Donald Nally recommends the music of Arvo Pärt as well as The Crossing’s recording of Michael Gordon’s Anonymous Man.

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor Musicians from the Bienen School of Music, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Northwestern Medical Orchestra join forces for this virtual salute to healthcare workers, featuring pianist Borna Bonakdarpour, a Feinberg assistant professor of neurology, and conductor Taichi Fukumura ’17 MMus, a doctoral student of Victor Yampolsky. Cassie Wieland’s Eyelid for Saxophones Performed by the Northwestern University Saxophone Ensemble, led by associate professor Taimur Sullivan.

10 visit the media library and enjoy Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance as The Bienen School has received significant positive feedback performed by dozens of our 2020 graduates from their own homes. from alumni and patrons who appreciate the experience we provide The Bienen School of Music faculty and administration, when livestreaming our concerts, so we will continue to explore together with other schools of music, service organizations, and how we might further this tradition of bringing concerts to a virtual performing arts institutions, have been working tirelessly to under- audience if we cannot invite in-person attendance. stand our options, obligations, and priorities as we consider how Our primary responsibility is to our students’ well-being and best to serve our students and our community in the 2020–21 sea- educational experience. In part, this means providing for their ability son. To safeguard the health of all Northwestern community mem- to rehearse, perform, and experience music with one another— bers, the Bienen School will present no public concerts in the fall and with our audiences. However, our decisions must necessarily quarter. It remains unclear the extent to which distancing protocols be made around the course of the current pandemic as well as will affect our ability to present normal large-ensemble perfor- state and local guidelines and our own budgetary constraints. mances in future quarters, and we are committed to establishing Please visit our website for updates on our future concert comprehensive procedures to protect our students, faculty, staff, offerings, and feel free to reach out via email to events.music and patrons before holding any public events. Those series artists @northwestern.edu with any questions. We look forward to whose concerts we were forced to cancel in the spring will be sharing exceptional music making again as soon as we are able. ] prioritized for rescheduling as soon as that becomes possible.

To view these videos and more, visit the Davee Media Library at www.music.northwestern.edu/davee.

Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria” for Horns Performed by the Northwestern Horn Studio under the direc- tion of Gail Williams, in an arrangement by Kate O’Brian Vance; dedicated to the memory of Nancy Hinners ’57.

Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra: Portraits Victor Goines directs this two-part program of student “Festmarsch” from Wagner’s Tannhäuser compositions inspired by Performed by the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by famous women from director of bands Mallory Thompson, for Northwestern’s 2020 throughout history. Commencement ceremony.

fanfare FALL 2020 11 faculty

Linda Austern about the sudden shift to online teaching 10-week performance seminar organized by (musicology) offers a on WGTD radio’s The Morning Show and in Boston University clarinetist Rob Patterson. new understanding of the Royal Conservatory of Music webinar Cohen also led a master class sponsored by music’s intellectual “How to Make Your Teaching Interactive his former student Benjamin Adler ’12 of the and cultural position and Multimodal.” At the virtual European Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. in Tudor and Stuart Voice Teacher Association’s Eurovox confer- England with her most ence, Brunssen gave a presentation based Drew Edward Davies recent monograph, on her book The Evolving Singing Voice: (musicology) has con- Both from the Ears and Mind: Thinking about Changes across the Life Span. She recently tributed to two recently Music in Early Modern England. Published taught for Newfoundland’s Shallaway Youth published books. His by the University of Chicago Press, the Choir and at the Atlantic Music Festival and essay “Colonialism and book illustrates music’s influence in such Italy’s Brancaleoni Music Festival. Brunssen Music in Habsburg endeavors as health maintenance , theology, has also been a guest teacher or presenter New Spain” appears in astrology, natural philosophy, and drama. at Opera Edwardsville, Georgia Southern A Companion to Music University, Classical Singer’s virtual confer- at the Habsburg Courts in the Sixteenth and Theresa Brancaccio ence, and a National College Choral Organi- Seventeenth Centuries, edited by Andrew H. (voice and opera) zation webinar. Weaver; his chapter (coauthored with presented “The Singer Kristin Dutcher Mann) “Musical Cultures Savvy App: Vanquish- Vasili Byros (music of the Ibero-American Borderlands” ing Vocal Fatigue” at theory and cognition) is featured in The Oxford Handbook of the NATS National presented “A Night Borderlands of the Iberian World, edited by Virtual Conference in at the Kärntnertor: Danna A. Levin-Rojo and Cynthia Radding. June in collaboration Suffering and Faith with Aaron Johnson ’95, ’99 MMus, a speech- to Joy in Beethoven’s Ryan Dohoney language pathologist at New York University. Ninth Symphony” at (musicology) was the music theory collo- featured in an episode Karen Brunssen quium of the Eastman School of Music in of the contemporary (voice and opera) com- January. In June, Cambridge University music podcast Neue pleted her two-year Press published The Cambridge Companion Musik Leben, hosted term as president of the to the Eroica Symphony, edited by Nancy by Irene Kurka, where National Association of November, which includes his chapter he discussed his Teachers of Singing. “The Hero Who Practices Resignation: research, motivations, and involvement During her presidency, Beethoven’s Eroica as ‘Late’ Work.” in Wandelweiser. In a recent episode NATS developed its of Masi Asare’s podcast Voicing across first strategic plan and diversity and inclu- Steven Cohen Distance, Dohoney discussed teaching sion statement plus new initiatives and (clarinet) taught the course Music in the Present during committees for mentoring, art song compo- remotely for the Aria COVID-19, coming back to a regular singing sition, international relations, and advocacy. International Summer practice, Wandelweiser, and his interest Brunssen presided over the NATS National Academy and led in vocalist-composer Joan La Barbara. Virtual Conference in June and was a panel- master classes for ist with Madison Leonard ’16 MMus in the Brevard Music the classical teacher-singer panel “Singer/ Center Summer Insti- Teacher and the Journey . . . the Rest of the tute and Festival. Cohen and other distin- Story.” She was featured in an interview guished guest artists, including faculty clarinetist Mark Nuccio ’86 MMus, pre- sented master classes for the Sessions, a

12 James Giles (piano) Toni-Marie the Los Angeles Times and Washington served on the faculty Montgomery (dean) Post. Nally’s daily series “Rising with The of an audition prepa- was featured in an Crossing,” a response to the cancellation ration workshop at episode of Arts Engines, of all choral events due to the pandemic, has Indiana University’s hosted by Aaron been selected and archived by the Library Jacobs School of Music Dworkin and produced of Congress as part of the historical record in January. In February in partnership with of the time. he gave a lecture-recital Detroit Public Tele- at the New England Conservatory and a vision. The program highlights the per- Alan Pierson master class at Boston University, in addi- spectives of thought leaders who are (conducting) and his tion to appearing as a guest with the Rem- significantly influencing the arts. ensemble Alarm Will brandt Chamber Players in their Chicago Sound released a video and Evanston performances of Beethoven’s Steven Morrison of John Luther Adams’s “Archduke” Trio. (music education) Ten Thousand Birds, traveled to Hong Kong filmed on 27 screens Victor Goines (jazz just ahead of inter- and shot in a single studies), a member national travel restric- take from Pierson’s Brooklyn apartment. of the Jazz at Lincoln tions to evaluate a The performance was featured in the New Center Orchestra, graduate music educa- York Times and Washington Post. performs on the tion program at the group’s album The Education University of Hong Kong. At Gerardo Ribeiro Music of Wayne Shorter, the Illinois Music Educators Conference (violin) presented a named one of the best in Peoria, he presented research on audio- master class for the jazz recordings of the year by the Chicago visual synchrony between conductors and Midwest Young Artists Tribune. The album features Goines’s ensembles. Morrison also participated summer master class arrangement of “Yes or No.” During spring remotely in the Virtual Neuromusic confer- series. He successfully quarter he hosted two virtual Northwestern ence, held in lieu of the meeting planned organized the online University Jazz Orchestra concerts featuring for Aarhus, Denmark. Samuel and Elinor music composed, arranged, and recorded Thaviu Endowed Scholarship Competition by students in the ensemble. Donald Nally in String Performance, which featured 30 (conducting) recently student competitors and awarded 12 prizes. Danuta Mirka (music released two new theory and cognition) albums with The Jesse Rosenberg gave the research collo- Crossing: Michael (musicology) recently quium presentation Gordon’s Anonymous contributed the article “Harmonic Schemata Man, recorded just “Jan Meyerowitz and and Hyper meter” in after the ensemble’s Musical Italy” to February at the Uni- Northwestern residency in 2017, and Archival Notes and versity of Iowa. Carthage, an album of music by James the chapter “Notes Primosch. The Crossing’s video of David on Philojudaism and Lang’s protect yourself from infection—a Its Limits in 19th-Century Opera” to the reimagining of a project commemorating edited volume Jewishness in Music (Ut the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic—was featured Orpheus Edizioni). on NPR’s Performance Today as well as in

fanfare FALL 2020 13 faculty

Desirée Ruhstrat Saxophone Alliance National Conference in Shawn Vondran (violin) organized an March, he presented a recital and directed (conducting) led ongoing “Music at the the Northwestern University Saxophone Northwestern’s Merion” series to pro- Ensemble. In June, Sullivan presented a Symphonic Band in vide musical perfor- guest online master class for the Chicago an invited performance mances for residents Saxophone Institute and the Interlochen at Gannon Concert Hall of Evanston’s Merion Saxophone Institute. in DePaul University’s senior living commu- Holtschneider Perfor- nity. The series features Bienen School Andrew Talle mance Center for the North Central Division students and other Ruhstrat students (musi cology) gave the Conference of the College Band Directors performing virtual concerts that are presentation “Beyond National Association in February. The streamed throughout the residence’s units. Bach: Music and Every- band was one of 11 prestigious ensembles She also coordinated with soloist Borna day Life in the 18th selected by a blind audition process. Bonakdarpour and conductor Taichi Century” as part of Fukumura in a virtual recording of Mozart’s the Northwestern Yuan-Qing Yu (violin) Piano Concerto No. 20 with 37 musicians Alumni Association is a founding member from the Bienen School, Feinberg School webinar series. and the president of Medicine, and Northwestern Medical of Civitas Ensemble, Orchestra. Ruhstrat has presented various Hans Thomalla a Chicago-based virtual performances as a member of the (composition) was chamber group that Lincoln Trio and Black Oak Ensemble and named a 2020–21 has recently released enjoyed teaching remotely throughout the faculty fellow of two albums on the summer at various online festivals, includ- Northwestern’s Alice Cedille label. Alla Zingarese features the ing Inside Music Academy and the Curtis Kaplan Institute for the ensemble in collaboration with Czech violin Institute of Music Summerfest. Humanities to support virtuoso Pavel Šporcl and his Gipsy Way his new opera project, Ensemble. Jin Yin—named one of “the eight Taimur Sullivan Dark Fall. In April, Sideband Records most alluring classical recordings of the (saxophone) was released an album of Thomalla’s music— year, so far” by the Chicago Tribune— featured with the including Bagatellen, Air, and Noema— presents a spectrum of new instrumental PRISM Quartet and performed by Clara Lyon, Yukiko Sugawara, works by living Chinese composers. As Rudresh Mahanthappa Tomoko Hemmi, and the Spektral Quartet. part of an ongoing effort to bring music at the Chamber Music to the public, Civitas Ensemble launched America National a free concert series for dementia patients Conference. Surfaces in June and has uploaded all past live and Essences, his latest album with PRISM, per formances to its YouTube channel. was released in April on the XAS label. Sullivan presented a solo recital and master class as the featured guest artist at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s Woodwind Mania clinic. He performed Jules Pegram’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble with the Symphonic John Thorne (flute) and Alyce Johnson Band at Northwestern as well as at DePaul (piccolo) served as judges for the wind University as part of the College Band Direc- division of the 17th annual Concerto Festival tors National Association’s North Central for Young Performers, sponsored by the Division Conference. At the North American DePaul Community Music Division.

14 students

Lauren Bagshaw, a Bienen–Education and their professional lives with established Elizabeth Social Policy dual-degree music education chamber music artists. He was one of five McCormack, a flute and saxophone student of Taimur Sullivan, musicians chosen from a pool of 180 appli- student of John Thorne, was named a first-prize winner in the cants from 18 countries. As a Bowers Pro- was accepted to the Great Composers Competition for best gram Artist, He will participate in a rigorous National Symphony’s Rachmaninoff performance and 19th- three-season residency, beginning in 2021 Summer Music Insti- century music performance. and continuing through 2024. He is also tute at the Kennedy working on a new project, “Bach through Center and the Claire Cai, a Bienen-Weinberg dual-degree the Looking Glass of China,” to commission Domaine Forget International Music Festi- violin student of Desirée Ruhstrat, won a female composers of Chinese heritage val. She attended both festivals remotely. Farwell Trust Award from the Musicians to write six works to be performed in Club of Women. tandem with the six Bach cello suites. Lydia Pui, a Bienen-Weinberg dual-degree piano student of Sylvia Wang, tied for Robert Chien, a violin student of Gerardo Madison Helton, a master’s viola student second prize in the 2020 Thaviu-Isaak Ribeiro, tied for second prize in violin in the of Helen Callus, tied for third place in the Endowed Piano Scholarship Competition. Samuel and Elinor Thaviu Endowed Scholar- 2020 Viola Studio Competition. ship Competition in String Performance. Brandon Quarles ’17 MMus, a doctoral saxo- Miya Higashiyama, a phone student of Taimur Sullivan, begins a Joseph Connor ’19 MMus, a doctoral saxo- master’s voice student new position this fall as classical saxophone phone student of Taimur Sullivan, was a of Theresa Brancaccio, professor at the University of Wisconsin– finalist in the 2020 North American Saxo- performed via Zoom Madison. (Also see ~Nois, page 20.) phone Alliance Collegiate Solo Competition. in the one-act opera As a member of the Northwestern Univer- Speed Dating Tonight Ruud Roelofsen, a sity Saxophone Ensemble, Connor per- as a member of the doctoral composition formed the world premiere of his own Brevard Music Center’s student, won the arrangement of Andrew Norman’s Gran Janiec Opera Company. Bienen School’s 2020 Turismo for eight saxophones at NASA’s William T. Faricy biennial conference in Tempe, Arizona. Vincent Ip, a doctoral piano student of Award for his compo- As part of the New Music Gathering 2020 James Giles, tied for first prize in the 2020 sition rimpelingen. Virtual Conference, Connor gave the world Thaviu-Isaak Endowed Piano Scholarship premiere of JP Merz’s compression study Competition. for saxophone and electronics. (Also see Teddy Schenkman, a master’s viola Ensemble Awards, page 16.) Sophie Lanthier, a student of Helen Callus, tied for third place master’s flute student in the 2020 Viola Studio Competition. Sihao He ’18 MMus, a of John Thorne, was doctoral cello student accepted to the Yonjoo Seo, a Bienen-Medill dual-degree of Hans Jørgen Jensen, National Academy viola student of Helen Callus, received a was selected for the Orchestra of Canada’s 2020 summer internship grant from the Bowers Program by the summer program in Alumnae of Northwestern University. Chamber Music Society Hamilton, Ontario. of Lincoln Center. This Noah Stone, a Bienen-Weinberg dual- professional develop- Evan Lee, a Bienen-Weinberg dual-degree degree clarinet student of Steven Cohen, ment program provides extensive opportu- piano student of Sylvia Wang, tied for performed as soloist with Grammy-winning nities for outstanding young artists in the second prize in the 2020 Thaviu-Isaak jazz clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera on NPR’s early stages of major careers to integrate Endowed Piano Scholarship Competition. From the Top in March.

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Yetong Tang, a doctoral piano student of An Tran, a doctoral Derrick Ware, a master’s viola student James Giles, tied for second prize in the guitar student of Anne of Helen Callus, placed second in the 2020 2020 Thaviu-Isaak Endowed Piano Scholar- Waller, released his Viola Studio Competition. ship Competition. debut recording, Stay, My Beloved: Vietnamese Avery Weeks, a double bass student of Alexandre Tchaykov, a master’s piano stu- Guitar Music, on Andrew Raciti, received first prize in bass dent of James Giles, won the 2020 Pauline Framework Records in the 2020 Samuel and Elinor Thaviu Lindsay Award. He also tied for first prize in April. The Chicago Endowed Scholarship Competition in in the 2020 Thaviu-Isaak Endowed Piano Tribune featured the recording as one of String Performance. Scholarship Competition. “the eight most alluring classical recordings of the year, so far.” Tran recently joined the Lam Wong, a doctoral Chloé Thominet, a faculty at Northern Illinois University. piano student of James doctoral viola student Giles, tied for first prize of Helen Callus, won Luiz Fernando in the 2020 Thaviu- the grand prize in Venturelli, a cello Isaak Endowed the 2020 Viola Studio student of Hans Jørgen Piano Scholarship Competition. She also Jensen, tied for first Competition. received first prize prize in cello in the in viola in the 2020 2020 Samuel and Samuel and Elinor Thaviu Endowed Scholar- Elinor Thaviu Endowed Ruixue Zhang, a doctoral piano student of ship Competition in String Performance. Scholarship Competi- James Giles, tied for first prize in the 2020 tion in String Performance. Thaviu-Isaak Endowed Piano Scholarship Competition.

Ensemble Awards

Fuse Quartet—Chris Forbes ’20 MMus, Julian Velasco ’20 MMus, doctoral saxophone student Joseph Connor ’19 MMus, and master’s student David Schreck—won first place in the Music Teachers National Association Cham- ber Music Wind Competition. Coached by Taimur Sullivan, the ensemble also received second prize in the quartet competition of the North American Saxophone Alliance biennial conference. Fuse advanced to the semifinals of the senior wind division of the 47th annual Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.

Trio Noré advanced to the quarterfinals in the senior string division of the 47th annual Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. The regular members of the trio (pictured at left with Nemmers Prize–winning composer Jennifer Higdon) are Muzi Zhao, a Bienen-Medill dual-degree piano student of James Giles; Daniel Kim, a violin student of Desirée Ruhstrat; and Andrew Byun, a Bienen-Weinberg dual-degree cello student of Hans Jørgen Jensen. For the Fischoff Competition, EunAe Lee ’20 DMA, also a Giles student, performed in place of Zhao.

16 CLASS OF 2020 Dimitrios Gkoulimaris ’20, a bachelor Anna Thompson ’20 of arts in music graduate, received the MMus, a master’s flute Gavin Brehm ’20, a Bienen School’s Undergraduate Award graduate from the bachelor’s trumpet, for Outstanding Academic Achievement. studio of John Thorne, music ad hoc, and was named one of three cognitive science Daniel Kim ’20, a library fellows at the graduate from the bachelor’s violin grad- Tanglewood Music studio of David Bilger, uate from the studio Center, where she will Thomas Rolfs, Michael of Desirée Ruhstrat, work with the librarians of Tanglewood Sachs, and Channing advanced to the finals and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Philbrick, was selected as a 2020–21 Luce of the 2020 Ima Hogg Scholar to Japan. The nationally competitive Houston Symphony Julian Velasco ’20 fellowship program was created to enhance Competition. He tied MMus, a master’s saxo- understanding of Asia among potential for first prize in violin in the 2020 Samuel phone graduate from leaders in American society. Luce Scholars and Elinor Thaviu Endowed Scholarship the studio of Taimur are provided stipends, language training, Competition in String Performance. (Also Sullivan, received and individualized professional placement see Ensemble Awards, page 16.) second prize in the in Asia. Brehm’s work focuses on applying 2020 North American generative artificial intelligence and Asana Onishi ’20 MMus, a master’s piano Saxophone Alliance emerging manufacturing technologies graduate from the studio of José Ramón Collegiate Solo Competition. He was also to traditional musical instrument design. Méndez, tied for second prize in the 2020 named a semifinalist in Cedille Records’ Thaviu-Isaak Endowed Piano Scholarship Emerging Artist Competition. (Also see David Cao ’20, a Bienen-Weinberg dual- Competition. Ensemble Awards, page 16.) degree violin graduate from the studio of Desirée Ruhstrat, is founder and president Caroline Paulsen ’20, Benjamin Wagner ’20 MMus, a master’s of Evanston Young Artists, a nonprofit a bachelor’s cello grad- viola graduate from the studio of Helen organization offering music lessons to uate from the studio Callus, received second prize in viola low-income students. Run almost entirely of Hans Jørgen Jensen, in the 2020 Samuel and Elinor Thaviu by Bienen School students, the organization won a Farwell Trust Endowed Scholarship Competition in seeks to foster strong music interest among Award from the Musi- String Performance. Evanston students as motivation to pursue cians Club of Women the performing arts beyond high school. and tied for first prize Zhihao Wu ’20 MMus, a master’s cello in cello in the 2020 Samuel and Elinor graduate from the studio of Hans Jørgen Cassidy Cottle ’20, a Bienen-Weinberg Thaviu Endowed Scholarship Competition Jensen, tied for first prize in cello in dual-degree voice graduate from the studio in String Performance. the 2020 Samuel and Elinor Thaviu of Nancy Gustafson, won a Sigma Alpha Endowed Scholarship Competition Iota College Honor Award. Jonathan Platt ’20, a bachelor’s double in String Performance. bass graduate from the studio of Andrew Hazel Friedman ’20, Raciti, received second prize in bass Weilu Zhang ’20 MMus, a master’s a bachelor’s piano in the 2020 Samuel and Elinor Thaviu violin graduate from the studio of Gerardo graduate from the Endowed Scholarship Competition in Ribeiro, tied for first prize in violin studio of Sylvia Wang, String Performance. in the 2020 Samuel and Elinor Thaviu won a Farwell Trust Endowed Scholarship Competition Award from the in String Performance. Musicians Club of Women.

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1950s Craig Nordstrom ’71 retired as the Central Washington University. In October 2019, Prober performed bass clarinetist of the Boston Symphony David 10 concerts in eight Midwestern Orchestra after a tenure of over 40 years. Krehbiel ’59 states on tour with the crossover wrote the book Previously a member of the US Marine trio Take 3, featuring Yanni violin Through the Band and the Vancouver and Cincinnati soloist Lindsay Deutsch. Door about Symphonies, he is a former faculty his 40 years Jennifer Bales ’88 MMus has been member at Boston University, New of adventures a licensed attorney in Texas since as a principal England Conservatory of Music, and 2014. Formerly she was principal horn with the Chicago and Detroit the Tanglewood Music Center. trumpet with the US Air Force Symphony Orchestras and San Heartland of America Band. She Francisco Symphony. also spent two seasons as princi- Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. Over Fredonia pal trumpet with the Royal Seville the past two years he has also College Council Symphony Orchestra. Upon retiring 1960s taught conducting and served Award for from the Air Force, she attended as music director of the Global Community the Texas A&M School of Law and Andi Lamoreaux ’69 MMus Music Partnership All-Star Engagement. received her JD in 2013. Bales is recently celebrated 50 years at Orchestra, which in 2019 and The award now the managing partner with Chicago radio station WFMT. She 2020 performed at New York’s recognizes Vinson & Bales in Hurst, Texas, joined the station as librarian in Carnegie Hall and South Korea’s those who help where she practices family law, civil 1969 and was named its music GMP Seoul Music Festival. accomplish the university’s mission. law, and probate. She continues to director in 2001. play trumpet and sing in the Dallas– Ralph Hepola Lyle Rebbeck ’83 MMus published Fort Worth area with country singer 1970s ’78 released A Practical Guide for Teaching Larry Heath and the Wingnuts. his eclectic Saxophone to Beginners, which Hollis Thoms jazz and blues includes a foreword by the late Cathy Venable ’73 MMus independent Frederick Hemke, Rebbeck’s teacher ’89 is the asso- wrote the debut album, at Northwestern. Rebbeck has been ciate music libretto and Tuba. The teaching saxophone, flute, and director for the score for the project was clarinet for 34 years at Medicine national tour 50-minute supported by a grant from the Hat College in Alberta, Canada. of Disney’s opera Adam Southwest Minnesota Arts Council. Frozen. She and Eve, pre- Pianist Wendy was associate miered by Bach in Baltimore under 1980s Prober ’85 music director for a national tour of the direction of T. Herbert Dimmock. performed with The Sound of Music and was first Based on Book IX of Milton’s Paradise longtime col- keyboard and assistant conductor John Gordon Ross ’81 MMus was Lost, the work is scored for four laborator Maria for a national tour of The Phantom of named interim music director of the singers, woodwind quintet, double Newman in the Opera. Prior to touring, Venable Blue Ridge Orchestra for its 2020–21 bass, and harp. Bach in Baltimore weeklong artist was a pit pianist and rehearsal season. He recently completed a previously premiered Thoms’s residencies at pianist in New York City for 13 Broad- 26-year tenure as music director Passion (2011), Isaac (2012), and the Eastman School of Music and way shows—Wonderful Town, The and conductor of the Western And did the world with devils swarm, Piedmont Symphony in Hickory, all gaping to devour us… (2017). North Carolina. Richard Sherman ’82 MMus was Daniel David Evan Thomas ’81 composed selected from a pool of 5,700 faculty Spalding ’74, Fruit of the Spirit: Chorale Preludes ’76 MMus across Michigan State University’s 17 for Organ, published by Augsburg is in his 8th Fortress in May. colleges to receive MSU’s William J. year as music Beal Outstanding Faculty Award. The director of Katherine M. Levy ’82, professor award honors a comprehensive and the Capital and coordinator of music education Philharmonic sustained record of scholarly excel- at the State University of New York of New Jersey and 29th year as at Fredonia, received the 2020 lence in research, creative activities, music director of the Philadelphia instruction, and outreach.

18 Light in the Piazza, Beauty and the collaborated in developing model Beast, Curtains, Les Misérables, cornerstone assessments for the Evita, Aladdin, The Apple Tree, We want to hear from you! revised National Standards for Music. Cinderella, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Visit, Sondheim Please email your news to [email protected] Timothy on Sondheim, and Anything Goes. or submit your news online at Loest ’93 music.northwestern.edu/alumninews. MMus is the 1990s band director at F. E. Peacock

Jerod Tate Middle School ’90 Saddleback College Professor of Richard Tengowski ’92 MMus was in Itasca, has composed the Year and Orange County Com- named president-elect of the North Illinois. His works recently munity College Professor of the Central Division of the National compositions and arrangements performed by Year. Although the pandemic forced Association for Music Education. for young band are performed world- several major the cancellation of a planned cele- He is a music teacher for Wisconsin’s wide. As an exclusive writer for the ensembles. The bration of his music, the college Kohler school district and an FJH Music Company, he coauthored San Francisco premiered his opera Bernice Bobs adjunct instructor at the University Measures of Success: A Compre- Symphony, Her Hair in early March for four of Wisconsin–Sheboygan. hensive Musicianship Band Method conducted by Erina Yashima, per- sold-out performances. and is lead author of the “Beyond” formed his Spider Brings Fire for Frederick series, which includes Warm-ups orchestra and narrator in February Flutist Jennie Burrack and Beyond, Rhythms and Beyond, with Tate narrating. The Dallas Sym- Oh Brown ’91 ’93 MMus and Chorales and Beyond. phony Orchestra commissioned his is heard on coauthored bassoon concerto Ghost of the White two albums the book Allison Deer and premiered it in February released Developing Chesley ’94 with DSO principal bassoonist Ted commercially and Applying MMus, a cellist Soluri and conductor Ruth Reinhardt. by Innova Assessments and composer The Meraki Duo commissioned Tate’s Recordings. in the Music Classroom, a practical known as Heloha Okchamali (Blue Thunder) Her solo album Giantess, featuring text offering future music teachers Helen Money, for piano and clarinet and premiered Kate Carter ’11 DMA and Paula a framework for integrating assess- released her it in September 2019 at the District Kosower ’06 DMA, includes works ment processes with assessment fifth solo New Music Coalition in Washington, by Carter Pann, Shulamit Ran, tools and tasks. A distinguished album, Atomic, on Thrill Jockey DC. Also that month, MoonStrike Augusta Read Thomas ’87, Valerie graduate professor at Kansas Records in March. for string quartet, commissioned Coleman, and Misook Kim. Brown State University, Burrack recently by the Apollo Chamber Players, pre- is also featured as a member of miered at Midtown Arts and Theatre the Heare Ensemble on its album Center Houston. Vox in music by Pann, George Donald Reid Womack ’90 MMus, Crumb, Narong Prangcharoen, ’93 DMA received a 2020 Guggenheim and Stacy Garrop. Fellowship. A professor of composition

Rodney at the University of Hawaii since 1994, Dorsey ’92 Womack is recognized as a leader in MMus, ’06 the burgeoning field of intercultural DMA, professor composition, working with many of of music at Indiana Uni- the foremost performers of Korean, Norman Weston ’90 DMA recently versity’s Jacobs Japanese, and Chinese instruments. His music is widely retired after 31 years at Saddleback School of performed in Korea, where he is one of the most sought- College in Orange County, California, Music, was selected to lead the after composers for Korean instruments and where where he served as professor of National Association for Music music and headed the music com- Education’s 2020 All-National his gayageum and haegeum concertos have become position and theory program. During Concert Band. standard repertoire for the top gugak orchestras. For his his tenure, Weston was named both Guggenheim project, Womack will compose a geomungo concerto for soloist Yoonjeong Heo.

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1990s continued vocal area coordinator. Lazzeri also serves as president of the Kentucky Jan Berry chapter of the National Association Baker ’98 of Teachers of Singing. MMus, ’03 DMA joined UCLA’s Agnieszka Herb Alpert Roginska School of ’04 PhD Music as asso- was named ciate professor president of saxophone. She most recently of the Audio served as associate professor and Engineering graduate director for Georgia State Society. She University’s School of Music. is a professor of music technology and vice chair of the music and 2000s performing arts professions depart- ment at New York University. ~Nois—a Chicago-based saxophone quartet consisting of Jennifer Kessler ’03 was named Hunter Bockes ’18 MMus, János Csontos ’18 MMus, Jordan executive director of the International Genevieve Thiers ’04 MMus is Lulloff ’18 MMus, and current doctoral student Brandon Contemporary Ensemble. Previously founder of Sittercity, which launched Quarles ’17 MMus—released its debut album, Is This ~Nois, in she served as executive director of an initiative in March to provide June. The album features music by composers with strong ties Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls. free childcare resources to families to Chicago and Northwestern, including composition professor of Chicago’s first responders and Elizabeth Bennett ’04 launched a essential workers combatting the Hans Thomalla, alumni Marcos Balter ’08 DMA and David “Summer Break Bach” giveaway at COVID-19 pandemic. Reminick ’16 DMA, and current doctoral composition students Buffalo Grove (Illinois) High School Mathew Arrellin, Niki Harlafti, and Craig Davis Pinson. to provide needy families with boxes containing nonperishable food items and a packet of music lessons Laura Kind ’06 was promoted to created by Bennett’s students. vice president of brand strategy at She funded the project with her Wakefern Food Corporation. She prize money as a top 10 nation- joined the company in December wide finalist for the Grammy Music 2018 as director of brand marketing Educator Award. and packaging.

Kimberly Gelbwasser Lazzeri ’04 Noa Even ’06 was appointed lec- was named music program head turer and head of woodwinds at at Northern Kentucky University’s Rowan University. She previously Joel Wallgren ’07 (left) was named School of the Arts, where she is taught at Kent State University executive director of Washington associate professor of voice and and the University of Oregon. state’s Poulsbo Community Orchestra as of its seventh sea- son (2020–21). The orchestra Cory Hills ’03, a percussionist was cofounded in 2014 by Blake based in Los Angeles, performed Yarbrough ’06 (right), currently with pianist Nadia Shpachenko president of its board of directors. Since the orchestra’s inaugural Adam Swayne ’06 DMA was on the album The Poetry of Places, concert in 2014, its audience has appointed deputy head of the which won the 2020 Grammy grown from 75 to standing-room- School of Keyboard Studies at the only crowds of over 750. Award for best classical compen- UK’s Royal Northern College of dium. Percussive Storytelling, his Music, where he joined the faculty Marcos Balter in 2017 as a lecturer in music. He community arts-engagement pro- ’08 DMA joined previously taught at the University gram for bringing classical music the composi- of Chichester and Junior Royal tion faculty of and storytelling to children in underserved communities, Academy of Music. recently marked its 600th performance, having reached the University of California, more than 170,000 children in 10 countries. San Diego. Previously

20 Cellist Russell Houston ’16 Veronique Jordan Lulloff ’18 MMus was Filloux won the gold medal in the ’15 appointed saxophone instructor at won the Musi- the University of Illinois at Chicago. 2020 Fischoff Chamber Music cians Club of (Also see ~Nois, page 20.) Competition’s senior string Women’s 2020 division as a member of the Lynne Harvey Drew Powell ’18 MMus advanced Balourdet String Quartet. Foundation to the finals of the National Flute Scholarship. Association’s Orchestral Audition The ensemble also received and Masterclass Competition. second prize in the 2019 Regina Ceragioli ’16 MMus won Carl Nielsen International a Farwell Trust Award from the Daniel Dehaan Chamber Music Competition Musicians Club of Women. ’19 DMA was in Copenhagen. Sebastian appointed Dunn ’16 assistant MMus professor accepted the of music a visiting professor at Columbia position of technology University and the University of fourth horn at Columbia College Chicago. Pennsylvania, Balter has held posi- with the New tions at the University of Pittsburgh, Zealand Miriam Columbia College Chicago, and Symphony Orchestra. Piilonen ’19 Montclair State University’s John PhD was Cali School of Music. Caitlin Finnie appointed 2010s ’16 joined the assistant world tour of professor of The Phantom music theory of the Opera as at the Univer- Jing Qiao ’13 MMus was named the Christine sity of Massachusetts Amherst. to the second violin section of Daaé alternate. the Kennedy Center’s National She previously Danielle Taylor ’19 MMus was Symphony Orchestra by music performed in the Les Misérables named manager of Chicago Sin- director Gianandrea Noseda in national tour as an ensemble mem- fonietta’s Project Inclusion, which 2018 and won a position in the first ber and the Cosette understudy. seeks to develop diverse emerging violin section the following year. As musicians, conductors, and admin- a regular substitute violinist for the Katherine Young ’17 DMA was istrators on and off stage. Taylor is Philadelphia Orchestra, she took named assistant professor of com- a former Project Inclusion Freeman Andy Hudson ’12 MMus, ’18 DMA part in the orchestra’s recent tour position at Emory University. She Orchestra Fellow. is assistant professor of clarinet at of Europe and Israel. Qiao has also previously taught composition, elec- the University of North Carolina– performed frequently at the Bravo tronic music, and improvisation at Greensboro. Appointed the North Vail Music Festival and Saratoga Berklee College of Music and the Carolina chair for the International Performing Arts Center. School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Clarinet Association in 2019, he was recently awarded a UNCG faculty grant to record his debut solo album, featuring music entirely Olga Sánchez-Kisielewska ’18 PhD received the Janel M. by women or nonbinary composers. Mueller Award for Excellence in Pedagogy from the University This year he was appointed third/ of Chicago, where she is a lecturer in music theory. The bass clari netist of the Cabrillo nomination letter states, “Olga’s masterful integration of Festival Orchestra. historical, critical, and practical ways of musicking upholds David Carter ’13 DMA was this university’s highest values of inquiry and knowledge.” named assistant professor of Sánchez-Kisielewska teaches undergraduate musicianship music theory and composition courses, including musicianship skills and the harmony and at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. voice-leading sequence.

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Bienen School Represented at NATS

Bienen School voice and opera faculty, students, and alumni played DMA ’96, with several Bienen School voice students, presented the important roles in the National Association of Teachers of Singing’s livestreamed session “Orfeo Remote: An Experimental Opera Film.” National Virtual Conference in June. Voice professor Karen Brunssen, Marcia Porter ’91, ’93 MMus, a NATS National Board of who recently concluded her two-year term as NATS president, was Directors member as the South Eastern Region governor and a member of the conference planning committee. She also presided an Advocacy Committee member, sang in the recital “My Sister’s at the opening ceremony, participated in a Q&A with Lawrence Keeper: The Songs of African American Women Composers.” Brownlee, introduced and appeared in many sessions, and joined Meghan Dibble ’03 MMus presented “Biofeedback in Vocal Peda- Madison Leonard ’16 MMus on a teacher-singer panel. gogy: Real-Time Success Using Mobile Application Technology.” Faculty member and NATS National Mentoring Committee Melissa Treinkman ’05 offered “Lifting the Curse of Knowledge member Theresa Brancaccio ’82, ’83 MMus, joined by NATS Voice in Vocal Pedagogy.” Victoria Holland ’95 MMus ’04 DMA, a member Science Advisory Committee member Aaron Johnson ’95, ’99 MMus, of the NATS Art Song Coalition, gave presentations on the Royal presented a session about her Singer Savvy app. Kurt Hansen ’83 Conservatory of Music Certificate Program and on 21st-century MMus, senior lecturer in voice, participated in a panel discussion songs by American and Canadian composers. with other NATS members who have served in military ensembles. Other participating alumni included Errik Hood ’10 MMus, Voice lecturer Patrice Michaels hosted a virtual composers’ coffee who oversees the SNATS Chats webinars for students; Melissa and conversation, composed pieces that were presented, and led Foster ’96, ’01 MMus, who recently adjudicated for the National discussions with artists, including baritone Evan Bravos ’13 MMus. Student Auditions; and Julie Krugman ’94 MMus, a NATS National Faculty members Joachim Schamberger and Stephen Alltop Board of Directors member as the New England Region governor. ] in memoriam

All dates are 2020. Richard E. Davis ’51, ’51 MMus in Erich W. von Behren ’57 MMus in Truby B. Clayton ’70 MMus in Bainbridge, Georgia, on April 1 1940s Danbury, Wisconsin, on January 6 Frankenmuth, Michigan, on May 12 Harold H. Meske ’51 MMus in Joyce M. Cowin ’58 in Schenectady, Glenn R. Mortenson ’70 PhD Ruth T. Bates ’43 in Chesterfield, Clintonville, Wisconsin, on April 7 New York, on February 15 in Waco, Texas, on June 7 Missouri, on April 8 Lois Jean Mease Query ’51 in Gail Wellensiek Springer ’58 Donald R. Neau ’71 MMus in Cornelia Capp Ross ’43 in Cedar Raleigh, North Carolina, on March 16 MMus in Baltimore on February 13 Milwaukee on April 24 Rapids, Iowa, on May 25 Bernard Weinberg ’51, ’52 MMus Edward H. Tarr ’59 MMus in MaryAnn Swallum ’72 MMus in Jeanette Morf Baran ’48 in in Los Angeles on January 29 Rheinfelden, Germany, on March 24 Brimson, Minnesota, on March 10 Palos Verdes Estates, California, Keith M. Witmer ’51 MMus in Barton Joseph Wolgamot on March 17 1960s Novi, Michigan, on February 7 ’78 MMus in Santa Fe on May 10 Mary Beth Applewhite ’49 in James C. Carlsen ’62 DMA in Walla Robert S. Stebbins Jr. ’52 MMus in 1980s Dallas on February 19 Walla, Washington, on June 11 Highland Park, Illinois, on January 11 Hans Karl Piltz ’49 MMus in British Sally Daley ’63, ’64 MMus in Steven W. Shrader ’83 PhD Carolyn Baer Volk ’52 in Allentown, Columbia, Canada, on April 11 Evanston on April 10 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Pennsylvania, on February 14 January 24 1950s John P. Boyd ’67, ’68 MMus in Harold E. Manley ’53 MMus in Terre Haute, Indiana, on May 22 Rev. Laurence Joseph Gleason Marylou E. Burkhalter ’50 in Eugene, Oregon, on April 26 ’86 MMus in Philadelphia on Frank W. Thomas ’68 MMus in St. Louis on June 25 Ruth A. Cooper ’55 MMus in March 14 Bristol, Virginia, on February 2 R. Edward Dix ’50 in Englewood, St. Louis on May 26 1990s Sister Thomas Welder ’68 MMus in Colorado, on March 13 Richard C. Wyszynski ’55 in Bismarck, North Dakota, on June 22 David Alan Pituch ’98 DMA in David W. Faust ’50 in El Paso, Chicago on March 4 1970s Evanston on June 23 Texas, on January 23 Dorothy M. Braun ’57 in Marion, Theodore D. Kinnaman ’50, Kansas, on February 5 Kathryn Smith Bowers ’70 in ’57 MMus in Janesville, Wisconsin, Nancy Hinners ’57 in Evanston Boulder, Colorado, on June 30 on January 4 on April 20

22 in development

BY SARAH GENERES the NAA’s virtual series featured musicology professor Andrew Director of Development Talle’s presentation “Beyond Bach: Music and Everyday Life in the 18th Century.” As I write this, our world finds itself in the If you missed these events, make sure that you have opted midst of incredible challenges on many fronts. to receive emails from the school and the University and that We are acutely aware of the pandemic’s your email address is current so that you will receive invitations impact on the lives and livelihoods of so many to future virtual events for alumni. To update your information, of our alumni working in the performing arts visit our.northwestern.org and click the “Update Your Information” across the country as they grapple with the link. We are also working on updates to the alumni section of the effects of prolonged shutdowns. We applaud the many Bienen Bienen School web page, so keep an eye out for more details on School alumni and students who continue to share their artistry those changes this fall. with the world through virtual platforms. Your music has been For all of those negatively affected by the pandemic, we hope so needed and so welcomed by so many. for much better days ahead. Many of our students are also feeling One of the positive things to come out of this spring’s shelter- its effects beyond the changes in their educational experience. in-place orders is that our team has been able to focus on increasing If you are among those whose situation is less affected by the our alumni engagement opportunities, and it has been gratifying pandemic, the Bienen School of Music welcomes your contributions that so many of you have been able to join these events. In May as we support our students and faculty in navigating this new path. many attended a virtual symposium about Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, From increased needs for financial aid, to additional technology for which was to have been the spring opera. Faculty and other notable helping faculty and students maximize hybrid learning, to facility scholars gave presentations on the opera and composer, and direc- changes for accommodating new safety requirements, the Bienen tor of opera Joachim Schamberger and conductor Stephen Alltop School is committed to continuing to provide an excellent academic DMA ’96 discussed their decision to convert L’Orfeo from a live experience for our students and faculty. per formance to a five-episode film (Orfeo Remote), recorded by I am grateful to work in a place where the commitment to the performers from their numerous locations. the future of music is unwavering. The talent and dedication of A similar presentation with Schamberger and Alltop was part our Bienen School of Music students assure me that that future of a Northwestern Alumni Association “Faculty Live” virtual event is indeed secure. ] in June that was attended by many Bienen School alumni. In July,

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fanfare FALL 2020 23 donors

John Evans Circle Julie Krugman ’94 MMus Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust We are grateful to all who have made contributions to the ($5,000–$9,999) Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music. The following Estate of James E. Legere4 Robert B. Berger ’56 (’84 P) donors have given $1,000 or more from July 1, 2019, Eric A. Lutkin3 Robert B. Berger Foundation through June 30, 2020. We are grateful for all gifts in Mary Crawford Mark ’73 (’08 P) Boston Foundation support of the Bienen School of Music, and we thank our Michael S. Mark ’72, ’73 MMus Gary W. Burns many valued donors and friends who have given gifts of (’08 P) Michelle Miller Burns ’902 less than $1,000 during this period. Stacey Anne Marshall (’23 P) Myung Woo Chung (’81 P, ’84 P) Justine O’Malley ’96, ’04 MBA Patricia J. Cunningham Gregory M. Outwater ’95 Colin E. Dougherty (’23 P) Jon K. Peck Founders Circle Dean’s Circle Elizabeth Edblom (’23 P) Michael A. Perlman ’00 MBA ($50,000 or more) ($10,000–$24,999) Craig R. Hassler ’63 (’22 P) John L. Anderson ’76, ’77 MBA Anonymous Arlene Gratz Klavins ’67 Presser Foundation (’03 P) Carol Rice Bowditch Virginia C. Lauridsen ’82, George and Arlene Rusch Megan Paynter Anderson ’76 James Bowditch ’87 MMus Memorial Foundation (’03 P) Emily Rice Douglass ’66 Julia M. C. Pierce ’84, ’85 MMus James R. Stevens Jr. ’77 JD (’04 P) Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation Allan Richard Drebin2 Jennifer M. Stevens (’04 P) Marcia Lynn Friedl Fidelity Investments Fellows Andrea Amdahl Taylor ’95 MMus Estate of Harvey A. Leva Charitable Gift Fund ($2,500–$4,999) Mark Amdahl Taylor ’95 MMus ’67 MBA4 Selme Finnie (’16 P) Alumnae of Northwestern Tichio Family2 Estate of George C. Mulacek Shaun Finnie ’95 MBA (’16 P)2 University Adair L. Waldenberg ’72 ’48 MMus4 Michelle M. Gerhard ’82 Russell Dagon Jr. ’61, ’61 MMus6 Connie Zyer (’08 P) Negaunee Foundation Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Sandra Schubert Dagon ’62 David E. Zyer ’99 MBA (’08 P) Alexander Pancoe ’08 Fund Kathleen Dean Art Pancoe ’51 MS (’08 GP, ’13 GP)3 Byron L. Gregory ’66, ’69 JD3 Randolph H. Dean ’77, ’90 MBA Mariann Pancoe (’08 P) Susan Gregory Members (’07 P) Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation Carol Schultz Honigberg ($1,000–$2,499) Robert K. Dean ’773 Jeannette Junk Segel ’80 ’85 MMus2 Janet Aliapoulios (’85 P, ’90 P) Dean Family Foundation Todd A. Smith ’73 MBA2 Joel and Carol Honigberg Fund Paul Aliapoulios (’85 P, ’90 P)6 Barbara Varsik Deboer ’77 MMus, Smith Family Foundation Michael R. Jacobson (’13 P) A. Gerald Avant ’59 MBA ’83 PhD Dolores Kohl Kaplan2, 3 Ayco Charitable Foundation Barry Deboer Dolores Kohl Education Bank of America Charitable President’s Circle Bernard J. Dobroski ’81 PhD3, 6 Foundation Gift Fund ($25,000–$49,999) Sally Seibert Dobroski3 Kelly L. Kuhn ’87 Kathryn Smith Bowers ’70 Davee Foundation Thomas Doran Jr. ’57, ’59 MMus, Rice Family Foundation James B. Bronk ’77 Jane Stowers Dean ’70 (’96 P)2 ’68 DMA3 Alexander I. Rorke ’75, ’75 MA2 Suzanne Becker Bronk Richard H. Dean ’69 (’96 P)1, 2 Daniel Feldstein (’23 P) Elizabeth Sturgeon Rorke2 Jill E. Bunney ’97 Howard L. Gottlieb (’99 GP) Helen Clay Frick Foundation Trine J. Sorensen-Jacobson Kenneth Cahn Howard L. Gottlieb Foundation Felicia Lynn Gerber Perlman (’13 P)2 Conan J. Castle ’51, ’52 MMus Elaine Kondelis Jaharis ’81 ’92 JD (’22 P) Gail Ayres Steinmetz ’703 Community Foundation of (’17 P, ’18 P) Sally Hagan William C. Steinmetz ’74 MBA2, 3 New Jersey Kathryn M. Jaharis ’83 Robert A. Hastings Helen Moore Thomas3 Linda Tatman Crisafulli ’68, Steven M. Jaharis (’17 P, ’18 P) Michael L. Henoch ’71, ’72 MMus5 Richard L. Thomas1, 3 ’69 MMus Jaharis Family Foundation Kalamazoo Community Peter P. Crisafulli ’68, ’70 MMus Carole Merrick Ringer ’61, Foundation Joanne Kriege Cruickshank ’61 MMus2, 3 Thomas R. Kasdorf ’56 ’57, ’58 MMus3 Jerry Ringer3 Frances Knutsen (’22 P) Chie Curley Carole Browe Segal ’603 Rick Knutsen (’22 P) Robert E. Curley ’56 Gordon I. Segal ’601, 3 Joshua D. Krugman ’94, ’99 MMus Sean P. Dowdall3 Betty Alexander Van Gorkom ’421, 2

24 Anne Weesner Eagleton ’58 William J. James ’04 Donald John Nally5 Lurline Willis Sears Barbara Seablom Edwards ’55 Casey B. Jenkins ’00 Bonnie Lewis Neuenschwander Allison Clouston Signorelli ’99 Julius E. Erlenbach ’68 MMus, Doris J. Johnson ’55 MA/MS, ’694 Michael David Stodd ’85 MMus ’72 PhD3 ’71 PhD Robert Neuenschwander Charles R. Thomas Rebecca Jane Erlenbach3 Doris J. Johnson Trust ’77 DMA Lorraine Marks Vitt ’44 Evanston Community Louis Kenter Neufield Association Mary A. Voss ’58 MMus Foundation Elizabeth Torrey Knodel ’58 Oaklawn Foundation Avonelle Stevenson Walker Margee Filstrup2, 3 (’87 P, ’92 P) Taner Ozcelik ’92 MS, ’95 PhD ’62 MMus Scott H. Filstrup ’65, ’67 MBA2, 3 William C. Knodel ’61 (’87 P, ’92 P) Davin E. Peelle ’03 Michael B. Wallace ’91 Hung Fai Fong Charlie Weaver Kobida Jennifer Harris Peelle ’02 Conan Ward (’20 P) Alan Glen Gibson ’82 Daniel Kobida ’63 Guy J. Raymaker Susan Ward (’20 P) Scott G. Golinkin ’74, ’75 MMus3 Sherry Henry Kujala ’85 MMus, Helen Jang Raymaker ’86, Janice Schroeder Weiland Bradford Graham ’90 MBA ’90 MBA ’79 MBA Dana Graham Walfrid Eugene Kujala6 Elizabeth B. Roghair3 Elizabeth Craig Wells ’98 Douglas Graham David L. Landis ’783 James E. Roghair3 Jonathan M. Wells ’97 Ira E. Graham Katharine Lockwood Lang Linda Rosner (’05 P, ’07 P, ’10 P)3 Cecil B. Wilson ’60, ’61 MMus Leslie Graham Ron Lang William E. Rosner ’75, ’76 MBA (’90 P) Margot Graham David Loebel ’72, ’74 MMus (’05 P, ’07 P, ’10 P)3 Mary Cummins Wilson ’61 (’90 P) Alan C. Gregory ’71 Robert A. Long ’81 Mary Ann Novak Sadilek ’61, Winning Ways Foundation Kay Griffel ’60 Sheryl Loyd Long ’81 ’62 MMus3 She-e Wu5 Sheldon M. Harnick ’49, ’18 H Michael C. Markovitz Dean H. Sayles ’60, ’60 MMus Jonathan Blake Yarbrough ’06 Estate of Donald E. Hassler ’504 Rosemaria Martinelli ’82, (’85 P) Yajai Yodin ’92 Katherine Fisher Heeren ’63 ’82 MMus Martha Stickney Sayles ’60 (’85 P) Ling Zhao-Markovitz ’89 MMus Arthur J. Hill Marilyn McCoy Horst P. Schastok A. John Holstad ’62 MMus, Fred C. Meendsen3 Sara L. Schastok ’74 DMA3 Nancy Gross Meendsen ’573 Schwab Charitable Fund 1 Northwestern Trustee Elizabeth J. Indihar ’58 MMus Bill Muster Foundation Kingsley G. Sears Jr. ’49 2 Music Advisory Board 3 Rogers Society 4 Deceased 5 Current Bienen School faculty 6 Emeriti Bienen School faculty

For information on donating to the Bienen School of Music or to report errors, please call 847-467-3849. Bienen School of Music Nonprofit Organization Northwestern University U.S. Postage 70 Arts Circle Drive PAID Evanston, Illinois, USA 60208-2405 Permit No. 205 music.northwestern.edu Evanston, IL