Here are some select recent clippings showing the variety of hits/mentions identifying musicians and scholars as Eastman School of Music alumni, faculty or students. (Note: Some links may have expired.)
The Joy of Learning to Play an Instrument Later in Life
(Wall Street Journal 04/23/2017)
There used to be a “widespread belief that if you did not begin learning a musical instrument in your childhood or school years, you had missed your chance,” says Roy Ernst, professor emeritus at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. “The field of music education didn’t offer many opportunities” for adults to learn, he says. Now such attitudes have changed with gusto. “People of any age can learn to play and [gain] a level of satisfaction,” says Dr. Ernst, who founded New Horizons, a program that encourages adults to play musical instruments or sing, and to join bands, orchestras or choral groups.
‘House of Cards’ composer makes Midwest choral debut
(Chicago Tribune 04/27/2017)
Four-time Emmy-winning film and TV composer Jeff Beal’s choice of career doesn’t seem all that much of a surprise after you learn his grandmother once earned her living providing piano accompaniment for silent movies. . . . Perhaps you’re wondering how a highly successful Hollywood composer (best known these days for the innovative scores he writes for Netflix’s “House of Cards”) wound up writing a couple of choral works for the concert stage? Well, as a matter of fact, Beal, who studied composition at the Eastman School of Music, actually began his career with independent projects including seven solo jazz albums, scoring the occasional film on the side, until his big break in 2000 with Ed Harris’ “Pollock.”
Julia Vari straddles cultures to make ‘Borderless’ music – in eight languages
(The San Diego Union-Tribune 04/27/2017)
Being cast in a lead role in the theatrical drama “Skin of Honey” last year in Los Angeles was a dream come true for Julia Vari. Losing that same role just one week before the play opened was the big break she didn’t know she was looking for. “The same day my part fell through, I found out about a songwriting retreat in Idyllwild that weekend. I drove up there and it changed my life,” said Vari, who performs with her band next Thursday at The Loft@UC San Diego. . . . Vari studied musical theater at New York University and classical voice and piano at the Eastman School of Music.
Chamber Music Series finale is Thursday
(Chronicle Independent 04/24/2017)
Chamber Music Southeast will feature pianist Phillip Bush along with Claire Bryant (cello), Ari Streisfeld (violin), and mezzo soprano Rachel Calloway.
Violinist Ari Streisfeld has garnered critical acclaim worldwide for his performances of diverse repertoire and has established himself as one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary classical music. Praised for his “dazzling performance” by the New York Times and “scintillating playing” by New York Classical Review, Dr. Streisfeld is a founding member of the world renowned JACK Quartet. . . . Dr. Streisfeld holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music, Northwestern University, and his doctorate from Boston University.
Backstage Pass with James Vandemark on Classical 91.5
(WXXI 04/27/2017)
This year marks the 40th year of teaching at the Eastman School of Music for double bassist James VanDemark. He has helped shaped generations of double bassists; many of his students have gone on to have great teaching and performance careers. On the May edition of Backstage Pass, some of Mr. VanDemark’s students—past and present—join Julia Figueras to talk about their teacher…and play a bit, too…while Mr. VanDemark supplies wit, wisdom, and a touch of nostalgia.
Musicians of Rochester: Evan Ritter
(WXXI 04/27/2017)
Evan Ritter is a student at the Eastman School of Music, originally from Texas. He’s a junior, studying piano performance. He’s also co-director of the South East Asia Music Festival in the Philippines. Teaching and leading this intensive music festival for students in one of the most impoverished districts of a troubled country is both rewarding and challenging. The challenges include the fear of extrajudicial killings, strict curfews, and even the occasional pack of wild dogs.
Buffalo Chamber Music Society ends season on high note
(The Buffalo News 04/26/2017)
This is the time when Morton Abramson, treasurer of the Society, was onstage to honor a pair of talented local students with a Silverman Scholarship, a tool created by Friends of the Philharmonic, to help young musicians further their career opportunities. This year scholarships were awarded to violinist Christophe Koenig (who is headed to the Eastman School of Music) and cellist Drew Cone (who will be attending the Juilliard Music School).
Laguna Playhouse Announces Three Youth Theatre Summer Camp Experiences
(Broadway World 04/25/2017)
VICTORIA SPELMAN is an actress who has worked at Laguna Playhouse’s Youth Theatre. Some of Victoria’s favorite roles include Bianca in Taming of the Shrew, Patty Simcox in Grease (both at Nevada Conservatory Theatre), and Belle in an original production of Wish Upon A Star at Theatre Wit in Chicago. . . . She studied harp at UR and at The Eastman School of Music.
(Rochester City Newspaper 04/26/2017)
Pianist, jazz orchestra director, and Eastman School of Music Professor Bill Dobbins is turning 70, and he’s celebrating with a solo concert that will take a look back. Known for his interpretations of the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, Dobbins will be focusing on his own compositions.
Eastman Opera Theatre announces 2017-2018 season
(Irondequoit Post 04/25/2017)
Eastman Opera Theatre recently announced its performances for the 2017-18 season, which include a 17th-century work that helped set the blueprint for future operas, a late 20th-century dance opera and a 21st-century musical that brought classical music elements back to Broadway. . . . The Eastman School of Music’s opera program will perform “L’incoronazione di Poppea” by Claudio Monteverdi, “Les Enfants Terribles” by Philip Glass and Susan Marshall and “The Light in the Piazza” by Adam Guettel. (Also reported by the Greece Post, Webster Post)
SPECIAL EVENT Rochester Music Hall of Fame
(Rochester City Newspaper 04/26/2017)
It’s the sixth episode of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the most Rochester-centric edition yet. This year’s inductees are Samuel Adler, Eastman School of Music professor of composition from 1966 to 1995; Joe Beard, blues guitar legend revered world-wide; Gary Lewis, the leader of Gary Lewis and The Playboys, which over its career received eight gold singles and 17 Top 40 hits; Uncle Roger McCall, the “Last DJ” whose “Homegrown” show championed Rochester musicians until his murder in 2003; Greg Sullivan, another champion of local music and the owner of the iconic Penny Arcade; and Lewis Soloff, trumpet player for Blood, Sweat & Tears during the band’s peak (1968-1973). (Note: Lew Soloff was an Eastman School of Music graduate. )