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.
New England Conservatory celebrated the graduating class of 2024 on Sunday, May 19, in historic Jordan Hall during a ceremony for graduates, family, and friends. Honorary degrees were awarded to legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon ’24 hon. DM, soprano Dawn Upshaw ’24 hon. DM, and conductor Robert Spano ’24 hon. DM, with remarks from Simon along with NEC President Andrea Kalyn, Alumni Speaker Lina González-Granados ’14 MM, ’15 GD, and Student Speaker June Chung ’24 MM.
On Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. in NEC’s historic Jordan Hall, more than 200 graduating students will receive their diplomas following remarks from Commencement Speaker Paul Simon, Alumni Speaker Lina Gonzáles-Granados ’14 MM, ’15 GD, and Student Speaker June Chung ’24 MM; honorary degree conferments upon Simon, Dawn Upshaw, and Robert Spano; and performances from a New Orleans-style jazz ensemble and a CMA folk ensemble.
New England Conservatory is delighted to announce that three musical luminaries will receive honorary degrees during its 153rd Commencement exercises on May 19 in Jordan Hall. Songwriter, recording artist, and philanthropist Paul Simon, who will also be the featured speaker; five-time Grammy-winning soprano, educator, and MacArthur Fellow Dawn Upshaw; and conductor Robert Spano, a four-time Grammy winner who is Music Director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Laureate of the Atlanta Symphony after 20 seasons at the helm, and who has served as Music Director of the Aspen Music Festival and School since 2011, will all receive honorary Doctor of Music degrees.
Recipients of the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant were announced last Wednesday, March 20. Among the honorees to receive the prestigious grant, three are either current students or alumni of New England Conservatory: the Balourdet Quartet, violinist Julian Rhee ’22, ’24 MM, and pianist Clayton Stephenson ’23 Harvard/NEC, ’25 GD.
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.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognizes New England Conservatory as one of the colleges and universities with the highest number of students selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
New England Conservatory invites the public to join a poignant musical tribute to Coretta Scott King's "Life. Love. Legacy." The 7th Annual Coretta Scott King Tribute Concert is a moving celebration co-curated by NEC’s Black Student Union and Castle of our Skins. The free concert will take place on Monday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. in NEC’s Jordan Hall. This year's concert holds special significance as it marks the 70th anniversary of Coretta Scott King's graduation from NEC, where King studied music education and voice (’54, ’71 Hon. DM). The concert promises to be an immersive experience that honors a remarkable artist and activist.
Violist Wenting Kang, cellist Julie Albers, and clarinetist Christopher Elchico join NEC’s powerhouse strings and chamber music faculty, offering new private studio and performance opportunities for current and incoming students.
New England Conservatory's Winter/Spring 2024 performance season will take audiences on a musical odyssey across genres and time, ensuring a captivating fusion of classics and contemporary selections. The lineup promises an enriching and diverse experience while showcasing the range and innovation of the conservatory’s students and faculty.
