New England Conservatory holds a special place in Justin Purtill’s ’07 MM heart. The Contemporary Improvisation program encouraged Justin to change the way he thought about music and explore his creativity, leading him to a successful career as a guitarist and improvisational singer-songwriter. Justin even met his wife while they were both studying at NEC!
NEC alumnus Fran Vielma ’16 MM is a critically acclaimed and award-winning multi-percussionist, composer, and educator. He moved from Venezuela to the United States in 2010 and immersed himself in the study of world music. His versatility in different genres of music—from Caribbean to Afro-Venezuelan to jazz—has led to his involvement in a number of projects, tours, and festivals around the world.
The trio—comprised of violinist Brigid Coleridge '20 GD, cellist Julia Yang '14 MM, '20 GD, and pianist Lee Dionne '20 GD—will receive $15,000 and a fully subsidized recital in New York City, including the world premiere of a newly-commissioned work.
We caught up with trombonist Robyn Smith ’19, ’21 MM to hear about her summer as a Tanglewood Fellow, her favorite spots in the Berkshires, and what's inspiring her these days. Our text conversation includes shoutouts to contemporary composer Kevin Day, Betty's Pizza Shack in Lenox, and all the Black athletes who shone with excellence this summer.
NEC is pleased to announce the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who comprise the newly formed Cultural Equity and Belonging (CEB) Advisory Council, which will support the work of incoming Director of CEB Monique Van Willingh and the newly formed Center for Cultural Equity and Belonging.
