Cassatt String Quartet
NEC Alumna Emily Brandenburg ’15 MM Announced New Member of Cassatt String Quartet
The Cassatt String Quartet has announced violist and NEC alumna Emily Brandenburg ’15 MM as its new member. Brandenburg will succeed Rosemary Nelis, who joined the group in 2022 and is leaving to focus on other projects. Other quartet members include violinists Jennifer Leshnower and Muneko Otani, who studied at NEC in the '80s, and cellist Gwen Krosnick ’13 MM.
Billboard Magazine Names NEC a "Boston Music Institution Shaping the Sound of the City"
In an article published June 21, 2024, Billboard magazine, one of the world's premiere music publications, explored Boston's rich musical diversity and the institutions that shape the city's sound, citing NEC as "a nurturing ground for musical talent from around the globe."
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Commemorating J. Rosamund Johnson, Composer of Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
In honor of Juneteenth, New England Conservatory commemorates the spirit of liberation, resilience, and creativity of Black Americans. We recognize the many ways NEC's Black alumni community members have brought music to the world and opened the doors for others through their passion and exceptional artistry.  One such NEC community member was J. Rosamund Johnson, a Black artist and civil rights advocate who attended NEC in 1893. Johnson composed "Lift Every Voice and Sing," widely recognized as the Black National Anthem. 
Liyuan Xie
Liyuan Xie ’22 Named First Associate Concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra
Violinist and NEC alumnus Liyuan Xie ’22 has been appointed the Cleveland Orchestra’s first associate concertmaster. 
Christopher Bush
Dr. Christopher Bush ’01, ’03 MM Joins New England Conservatory as Director of Adult Education and Summer Programs, Ushering in a New Era of Programming for Adult Music Learners
New England Conservatory is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Christopher Bush ’01, ’03 MM as the new Director of Adult Education and Summer Programs. An accomplished clarinetist and dedicated music educator, Bush brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to his new role, aiming to expand and enrich the offerings for adult music learners of all experience levels at NEC.
Molly Knight ’25
Vocal Performance Major and Queer Student Union President Molly Knight ’25 on Her NEC Experience and Goals for the QSU
Vocal Performance major and leader of NEC's Queer Student Union Molly Knight ’25 has used her position to create welcoming spaces on campus for NEC's LGBTQIA+ community, from developing a Gay Library within the CEB office to coordinating a panel of NEC students, faculty, and staff to share their experiences of being queer in music. Knight, a talented classical soprano studying with faculty member MaryAnn McCormick, reflects on her NEC experience, looks ahead to her final year and post-grad goals, and shares her best advice for incoming students.  
Cello faculty
Following a Year-Long Restoration, NEC’s Tecchler Cello is Presented to Annie Hyung ’25 MM for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Built in 1711 and donated to NEC in 1999 by alumna John Hsu ’53, ’55 MM, ’71 hon. DM, the Tecchler is one of the finest instruments in NEC’s collection and is among the few offered to students in an annual in-house competition. The remarkable instrument underwent a significant restoration throughout the last year before being offered recently to cellist Annie Hyung ’25 MM, its new holder for 2024-2025.