photo by Andrew Hurlbut
Pianist Ran Blake, who founded New England Conservatory's Contemporary Improvisation (CI) program 40 years ago, is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at this year's Reunion, in a dual celebration of the CI anniversary celebration and the many alumni who have studied in this innovative program.
WGBH radio announcer Steve Schwartz, whom Harvard is celebrating as an Unsung Hero of Boston's Jazz Scene, will lead a conversation with Ran on his life in music. The presentation will also include video from two 1991 films—the French television documentary Ricky Ford Encore! featuring Ricky Ford '83, and Streaming by Christine Sandvik—as well as musical tributes by David “Knife” Fabris '90, Daryl Lowery '81, Vanessa Morris '96 G.D., Hankus Netsky, Eleni Odoni, Scott Sandvik '87, '89 M.M., and Sara Serpa '08 M.M. Join us in celebrating this outstanding artist and educator!
Two days after this presentation, Blake's passion for film noir will be on display in the CI department's annual film-based concert, this year dedicated to the work of film actor Marlon Brando: Brando Noir.
Are you an NEC faculty member or student who is giving a school concert? Submit your artist and repertoire information now!
FELIX MENDELSSOHN