News

Characterizing the multi-faceted career of renowned Irish musician and NEC Contemporary Musical Arts faculty member Liz Knowles in a single word or phrase would be impossible. Depending on the day — or the hour — she is a sought-after performer, composer, recording artist, beloved teacher, podcaster, and author.

NEC faculty member, composer, and music theorist Andrew Schartmann interviewed Erica J. Washburn, NEC’s Director of Choral Activities, on preparing a choir to sing Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Babi Yar” for the latest edition of the DSCH Journal, a biannual publication dedicated to the life and work of Shostakovich. Schartmann serves as Associate Editor for the DSCH Journal.

Sought after by renowned film composers like John Williams, Alexandre Desplat, and Hans Zimmer for his expertise in orchestration, conducting, and score production, esteemed composer and NEC alumnus Conrad Pope '73 held a residency with New England Conservatory's Composition department last week.

NEC President Andrea Kalyn facilitated a panel discussion in honor of Women's History Month featuring Dean of Students Christina Davis and faculty members Eden MacAdam-Somer ’13 DMA, HaeSun Paik ’87, ’89 MM, ’92 AD, Michal Shein ’08 MM, and Erica Washburn. An inspiring event for the NEC community, the wide-ranging conversation covered everything from pivotal moments in the panelists' careers as educators to tips on overcoming imposter syndrome. 

New England Conservatory has announced violinist/violist Ara Gregorian as Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music beginning in the Fall of 2024. As Chair, Gregorian will provide artistic and administrative direction for the program, as well as mentorship to prepare students to lead impactful lives in music.

By adding a lab component to "Music of Ghana," a Music Theory course taught at NEC since 2014 by composer, theorist, and faculty member Dr. Felicia Sandler, NEC effectively bridges the gap between what students learn in the classroom and its real-life application. As Dr. Sandler immerses students in music theories tied to Ghanaian repertoires, they derive more meaning from their knowledge by also learning traditional dancing and drumming from prominent royal drummer Emmanuel Attah Poku, a Tufts professor who grew up in the palace of the Ashanti King and plays percussion for the royal court.  

As Black History Month comes to a close, we celebrate Black alumni from the earliest years of the Conservatory. Members of the Black Student Union worked with NEC archivists Maryalice Perrin-Mohr and Cody Forrest to research Black history and artistry from the early years of NEC.

Pianist Yunchan Lim ’24 UC made his spectacular Boston Symphony Orchestra debut at Symphony Hall from February 15-18 with guest conductor Tugan Sokhiev, performing Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 to multiple standing ovations. 

Meet Charles Berofsky ’24 MM, the talented pianist and composer who amazed Jordan Hall audience members during a concert with NEC's conductorless Chamber Orchestra as the soloist for Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 14 in E-flat Major, K. 449, including a self-composed cadenza within his exceptional performance. Berofsky earned the solo opportunity as the winner of NEC's 2022 Piano Concerto Competition, one of many honors the budding sensation has achieved in under two years at NEC so far, where he is studying for his Master of Music with faculty member HaeSun Paik.

Love is a powerful force, especially when shared by two individuals as driven in their joint mission of creating a better world as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King ’51, ’71 Hon. DM. The change-making couple were heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, but before they made history for their activism and social justice work, their journey together began in Boston.