BOSTON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF MUSIC PRESENTS
SPOTLIGHT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024 7:30PM
WEILL RECITAL HALL AT CARNEGIE HALL NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK •••••••••••• PROFESSOR MICHELLE LACOURSE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PROFESSOR GREGORY MELCHOR-BARZ CURATOR
Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Music welcomes you to this evening showcasing Boston University’s outstanding student musicians on stage at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall! Boston University’s 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall shines a spotlight on an exceptional cohort of students from BU’s dynamic community of artists. All student performers participated in a multi-stage competition run by CFA School of Music to secure a spot on the stage. Each applied department within CFA School of Music (Voice, Keyboards, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion) held auditions open to students in the fall of 2023. Finalists selected from each department competed before a panel of outside adjudicators, all renowned performing musicians. Finally, a slate of performers and a program was crafted under the curatorship of the director of the School of Music, Gregory Melchor-Barz, and led by artistic director Michelle LaCourse, Associate Professor and Chair of Strings. There will be a 15-minute intermission.
PROGRAM Capriccio, Op. Posth. No. 9 Valentina Pulido Pardo, viola
Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881)
Friendly Persuasions: Homage to Poulenc Jake Heggie (b. 1961) II. Pierre Bernac III. Raymonde Linossier IV. Paul Eluard Andrew Bearden Brown, tenor Richard Rivale, piano
Goyescas, I. Los requiebros Yuyeon Lee, piano
~ Intermission ~
Enrique Granados (1867-1916)
2024 Carmen Fantasie Brillante, Op. 3 No. 3 An-Chi Lin, violin Richard Rivale, piano
Jenö Hubay (1858-1937)
Fantasie Jörg Widmann (b. 1973) Zhen Wang, clarinet
Ripple Sheng Chan, marimba
~ Thank you for joining us! ~
Akira Miyoshi (1933-2013)
A NOTE FROM THE CFA DEAN Welcome to Carnegie Hall! 152 years ago, Boston University established a school of music. The new school was unlike all others in the United States. It was the first to center the study of music as worthy of a degree. Over the next century and a half, scores of universities and colleges would follow BU’s lead and, by doing so, would help establish a rich, dynamic culture of music in this country and beyond. Music was one of many BU “firsts.” Boston University was among the first colleges to be coeducational. Almost a century before the Ivy League, BU was a leader in smashing the barriers of gender discrimination. Unlike other universities that restricted entry on the basis of race or religion, Boston University embraced talented students of all backgrounds and complexions from its beginning. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received his doctorate from BU. Boston University remains a leader. We are a proudly global university with nearly 400,000 living alumni around the world. Nearly every major symphony orchestra on this planet has counted BU School of Music alumni among its members. Our alumni are arts leaders, educators, music critics, and more. The impact of BU School of Music has been profound. Today, we look ahead to the future. We spotlight emerging artists whose talent, skill, passion for music, and ingenuity will shape the next 150 years of music. Mentored by worldclass faculty, they are exceptionally prepared and ready for this moment. Harvey Young Dean, Boston University College of Fine Arts
GREETINGS FROM THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC DIRECTOR
W
elcome to the annual Boston University Spotlight concert at Carnegie Hall! Tonight’s performance showcases the incredible talents of students participating in a unique capstone experience from the School of Music at Boston University College of Fine Arts. Established in 1872, CFA School of Music holds the distinction of being the oldest degree-granting musical institution in the United States. The School of Music proudly upholds its historical legacy as one of the nation’s premier music schools, excelling not only in performance but also in musical composition, theory, music education, musicology, and ethnomusicology. Additionally, it houses the renowned Opera Institute, a leading training program for emerging operatic performers. Tonight, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of Boston University’s immensely gifted students. Those featured in this concert underwent a rigorous selection process through departmental and all-school competitions, embodying the dedication and energy fostered by a faculty committed to the highest standards of musical performance. Special thanks to Michelle LaCourse, associate professor of viola and artistic director for this concert, whose wisdom and experience have shaped an excellent program. Professor LaCourse, Chair of the Strings in the School of Music, is a tireless advocate for our young, talented musicians. Javier Sierra, director of University Ensembles at BU, provided administrative and logistical direction. Christopher Dempsey, director of production and performance at the School of Music, played a crucial role in tonight’s concert production. I am grateful for their dedication and the hard work of the entire team. As I traverse the hallways of BU daily, I am privileged to be surrounded by the talent you will experience this evening. It brings me great pleasure to share the exceptional musical abilities of our students with all of you. Gregory Melchor-Barz Director, Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Music
PERFORMERS ANDREW BEARDEN BROWN • Tenor PD 2024, studio of Lynn Eustis Andrew Bearden Brown is a tenor pursuing a Performance Diploma in Opera under the tutelage of Dr. Lynn Eustis. With the Boston University Opera Institute, Andrew has performed the roles of Stage Manager (Rorem’s Our Town), Laurie (Adamo’s Little Women), Oronte (Handel’s Alcina), and the tenor (Glass’s Hydrogen Jukebox). Additional operatic highlights include Torquemada (Ravel’s L’heure espagnole - Royal College of Music), Marzio (Mozart’s Mitridate - Opera Neo), and Ferrando (Mozart’s Così fan tutte - Felici Opera). As an oratorio soloist, Andrew has performed with groups such as the Washington National Cathedral Choir, Tempesta di Mare, Academy of Ancient Music, and Voces8. A Washington, D.C. native, Andrew grew up singing as a boy chorister at Washington National Cathedral, where he has sung for services of national importance, including the state funerals of Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, John McCain, Colin Powell, and Madeleine Albright. Later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Brown University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Royal College of Music. In 2023, he received Second Prize at the Handel Aria Competition, the William Grogan Award at the Oratorio Society of New York’s Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition, and won the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra’s Collegiate Vocal Competition. Upcoming performances include Le Prince Charmant (Massenet’s Cendrillon - BU Opera Inst.), Tito (Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito - BU Opera Inst.), and covering the world premiere of John Singer Sargent (Geter’s American Apollo - Des Moines Metro Opera). SHENG CHAN • Marimba MM 2025, studio of Samuel Solomon Sheng Chan, a Taiwanese percussionist, embarked on a musical journey from childhood, fostering a deep love for the art. His achievements include securing Third Place at the National College Music Art Joint Recruitment Examination (2017) and notable rankings in national competitions. Demonstrating consistent musical prowess, Sheng achieved commendable fourth places in the National Music Competition’s percussion ensemble (2015) and marimba categories (2023). His versatility is evident in collaborations with Kimball Gallagher and performances at prestigious venues like Taipei’s Zhongshan Hall (2018) and the Seoul Art Festival. Fueled by a passion for early music, Sheng engaged in Baroque workshops, learning from esteemed musicians in the field. Currently pursuing studies at BU under Samuel Solomon and Nancy Zeltzman, he
2024 continues to expand his musical horizons. Having been a percussionist in the NKSH Percussion Ensemble (2015-2017), Sheng embraced diverse performances, including cross-border collaborations with dance schools. With an innovative spirit, Sheng pushes the boundaries of his craft, inviting fellow music enthusiasts to join him on a captivating musical journey. His odyssey resonates with a genuine passion for percussion and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence. AN-CHI LIN • Violin DMA 2027, studio of Bayla Keyes An-Chi Lin is a violin player from Taichung, Taiwan. Growing up on a small island, she has a deep love for oceans and mountains. She started to play violin when she was five. She is currently in her second year of the DMA degree studying with Professor Bayla Keyes. Besides music, she is a big fan of basketball. She is also an animal lover, having two dogs and two cats. YUYEON LEE • Piano DMA 2027, studio of Boaz Sharon Yuyeon Lee, a South Korean pianist renowned for her brilliant technique and delicate touch on the piano, has distinguished herself with outstanding performances held on various esteemed stages in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall and the Tsai Performance Center in the United States, along with the Seoul Arts Center, Mozart Concert Hall, Suseong Artpia, and Youngsan Art Hall in South Korea. In 2023, Yuyeon was selected as a winner in the Carnegie Competition and won first prize in the Richmond Piano Competition, notable achievements that led to a concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall in New York and a solo recital at the Tsai Performance Center in Boston in 2024. She also received multiple awards, such as The Soloists’ Competition at Boston University, Eumag Chunchu Piano Competition, and The 12th Citiphilharmoni Orchestra Music Concours, Seoul Orchestra Piano Competition, The Music Education News Piano Competition, Yum Classic Music Award, and Korea Art Development Association Piano Competition in South Korea. Her performances as a soloist with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra, Kammersinfonie Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra, and Daegu MBC Symphony Orchestra showcased a repertoire that includes works by Franz Liszt, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Yuyeon has been the pianist for master classes conducted by prominent artists such as Timothy Ehlen, Sara Davis Buechner, Kenneth Drake, Ian Hobson, Jerome Lowenthal, Attila Némethy, Tomislav Baynov, Soo Jung Shin, Hie Yon
PERFORMERS Choi, and Younghyun Cho. Yuyeon is currently pursuing a doctoral degree program at Boston University College of Fine Arts, where she studies under the guidance of Professor Boaz Sharon. She also holds a master’s degree from the same institution. She completed her bachelor’s degree from Sookmyung Women’s University, studying under Professor Hae Jeon Lee in South Korea. VALENTINA PULIDO PARDO • Viola MM 2024, studio of Michelle LaCourse Valentina Pulido Pardo was born in Ibagué, Colombia. Her musical career started in 2007 at the Conservatory of Ibagué where she played the violin for four years before switching to the viola. She participated in the IX International Music Festival of Cartagena in 2015 and was a member of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra of Colombia for six consecutive years, where she toured with the orchestra in Europe, Central America, and Colombia. She also participated in Britt Music Festival and Kent Blossom Music Festival. She has performed in master classes for artists such as Anibal Dos Santos, Richard Young, Béatrice Muthelet, Julia Bullard, Joan Derhovdepian, and Antoine Tamestit among others. Ms. Pulido Pardo received her undergraduate degree in viola performance from the National University of Colombia in 2019 under the guidance of professor Sandra Arango. In 2019, Valentina received a scholarship to study in the United States with the Gabo Quartet and pursue a master’s degree in chamber music at Kent State University in Ohio. During her time at the university, she was presented with an honorable mention in the orchestra competition in her first year and first place during her second year, performing the Romanze by Max Bruch with the university orchestra. Additionally, in 2021, Valentina won the Leopold Sipe Memorial Award for Musical Excellence. During her time at Kent State University, she received teachings from distinguished mentors such as Keith Robinson, Cathy Robinson, Si- Yan Li, and Joanna Patterson Zakany. Currently, Valentina is in her second year of master’s studies in Viola Performance at Boston University under the guidance of Professor Michelle LaCourse. ZHEN WANG • Clarinet DMA 2027, studio of Robert Patterson Hailing from the heart of Taiwan, Zhen Wang’s passion for the clarinet is a testament to dedication and profound love for the instrument. Her musical odyssey began at Taipei National University of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree. This devotion continued as Zhen earned a Master of Music (MM) degree, a milestone showcasing her commitment to the art of
2024 clarinet performance. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree at prestigious Boston University, Zhen’s academic journey reflects her dedication to mastering clarinet music under the guidance of her mentor, Professor Robert Patterson. Zhen’s earnest desire to grow and learn in the musical sphere is exemplified through participation in esteemed competitions, including the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, the Buffet Crampon Clarinet Competition, and the Plowman Chamber Music Competition. Her experiences as a finalist and semi-finalist in these competitions inspire Zhen to cherish the remarkable path that celebrates her profound love for the clarinet and the opportunity to share that love with others. Her heart resonates most vividly when sharing her music with live audiences. As the 2nd Clarinet in the Boston Civic Symphony Orchestra at Jordan Hall or the Boston University Symphony Orchestra at the illustrious Boston Symphony Hall in 2022, each performance is a heartfelt expression of her love for the instrument and the pure joy of creating music. Zhen Wang, a devoted clarinetist, paints a unique musical path. Her love for the clarinet and dedication to the craft have enriched her musical journey. Zhen’s story is an authentic narrative of passion and perseverance, where her love for the clarinet continues to blossom with each note played. RICHARD RIVALE • Piano DMA 2024, studio of Shiela Kibbe A third-year DMA student in Collaborative Piano, Richard Rivale is interested in all musical styles. He continues to explore not only all classical music genres but has ventured into performances on the organ, harpsichord, and orchestral keyboard instruments, including playing the organ part in Holst’s “The Planets” at Symphony Hall in Boston. Richard enjoys singing and conducting and has participated in school and church choirs and conducting small groups for new music premieres of student composers. He has played in masterclasses and coachings with Isabel Leonard, John Harbison, John Heiss, and Donald Palma. He has studied with Meng-Chieh Liu and Stephen Drury at the New England Conservatory of Music, Jonathan Feldman, and Lydia Brown at The Juilliard School. He hopes to perform and teach at the collegiate level.
OUR FACULTY BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC FACULTY (2023 - 2024)
Director, School of Music Gregory Melchor-Barz Athletic Bands/University Ensembles Aaron Goldberg Warren Levenson Mark Miller Bassoon Nancy Goeres Ronald Haroutunian Margaret Phillips Cello Agnes Kim Michael Reynolds Rhonda Rider William Rounds Clarinet Rob Patterson Composition and Music Theory Vartan Aghababian Martin Amlin, Chair Mark Berger Deborah Burton Justin Casinghino Richard Cornell Joshua Fineberg John Genovese Davide Ianni Igor Iwanek David Kopp Rodney Lister Ketty Nez Andrew F. Smith Steven Weigt John Wriggle Jason Yust Conducting Kenneth Amis Jennifer Bill James Burton, Chair Aaron Goldberg Daniel Parsley
Double Bass Edwin Barker* Benjamin Levy* Todd Seeber* Thomas Van Dyck* Flute Geralyn Coticone Elizabeth Klein* Renée Krimsier Linda Toote Harp Franziska Huhn Jessica Zhou* Historical Performance Aldo Abreu, Recorder Sarah Freiberg, Baroque Cello Heinrich Christensen, Organ Gregory Ingles, Sackbut Laura Jeppesen, Viola da Gamba Christopher Krueger, Baroque Flute Catherine Liddell, Lute Robinson Pyle, Natural Trumpet Gonzalo X. Ruiz, Baroque Oboe Aaron Sheehan, Voice Jane Starkman, Baroque Violin & Viola Peter Sykes, Organ, Harpsichord Horn Hazel Dean Davis Keyboard Victor Cayres Shiela Kibbe, Chair Linda Jiorle-Nagy Pavel Nersessian Boaz Sharon Andrius Žlabys Musicology and Ethnomusicology Michael Birenbaum Quintero, Chair Leland Clarke Victor Coelho Pamela Feo Brita Heimarck Miki Kaneda
David Kjar Gregory Melchor-Barz Ulrike Präger David Schulenberg Andrew Shenton Rachana Vajjhala Jeremy Yudkin Music Education Kelly Bylica Diana Dansereau, Interim Chair Ruth Debrot André de Quadros Andrew Goodrich Karin Hendricks Brian Kellum Jeffrey Leonard Gareth Dylan Smith Jacqueline Smith Tawnya Smith Kính T. Vũ Oboe and English Horn John Ferrillo* Mark McEwen* Andrew Price Robert Sheena* Opera Institute Angela Gooch Rita Cote Melodie Jeffrey-Cassell Harry Hobbs Matthew Larson William Lumpkin, Artistic Director Noah Putterman Nathan Troup Allison Voth
Staff Pianists Anna Thorson Scott Koljonen Siu Yan Luk April Sun Lorena Tecu Trombone Don Lucas Toby Oft* Gabe Rice Trumpet Terry Everson, Chair of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Bruce Hall Tuba and Euphonium Mike Roylance* Viola Steven Ansell* Daniel Doña Danny Kim* Michelle LaCourse, Chair of Strings Violin Heather Braun Lynn Chang Rose Drucker Bayla Keyes Minju Kim Lucia Lin* Klaudia Szlachta Peter Zazofsky
Percussion Kyle Brightwell Tim Genis* Matthew Smallcomb Samuel Solomon Nancy Zeltsman
Voice Jean Anderson Penelope Bitzas James Demler Lynn Eustis, Chair David Guzmán Deborah Selig Douglas Sumi Alison Trainer Kevin Wilson
Saxophone Jennifer Bill Kenneth Radnofsky
*Member, Boston Symphony Orchestra
and
JAMES BURTON Conductor
Director of Orchestral Activities, Boston University School of Music
DANIEL PARSLEY Choral Director
Director of Choral Activities, Boston University School of Music
Saturday, April 27, 2024 1:00pm
SYMPHONY HALL
301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston
BOSTON UNIVERSITY Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 34,000 students, it is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 schools and colleges, along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University’s research and teaching mission. In 2012, BU joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS Established in 1954, Boston University College of Fine Arts (CFA) is a community of artist-scholars and scholar-artists who are passionate about the fine and performing arts, committed to diversity and inclusion, and determined to improve the lives of others through art. With programs in music, theatre, and visual arts, CFA prepares students for a meaningful creative life by developing their intellectual capacity to create art, shift perspective, and think broadly. CFA offers a wide array of precollege, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, as well as a range of online degrees and certificates.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF MUSIC Founded in 1872, Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Music combines the intimacy and intensity of traditional conservatory-style training with a broad liberal arts education at the undergraduate level, and elective coursework at the graduate level. The school offers degrees in performance, conducting, composition and theory, musicology, music education, and historical performance, as well as artist and performance diplomas and a certificate program in its Opera Institute.
bu.edu/cfa @buarts bu.edu/cfa/music