FanFare Newsletter December 2020 Music Academy of the West

DECEMBER 2020

FANFARE MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

As the world awaits the distribution of a vaccine to bring the COVID-19 crisis under control, we remain realistic yet optimistic in our approach to planning the 2021 Summer School and Festival. We have curated an exciting in-person program with our fellows and faculty working together and performing in Santa Barbara next summer. However, we recognize the value of strategic contingency planning. Thanks to the experience of mounting the 2020 Music Academy Remote Learning Institute (MARLI) and the commitment of our faculty artists, we are also prepared to produce a virtual or hybrid festival in 2021 as protocols permit – with the safety of our fellows, artists, and patrons held paramount. We are grateful to have brought on a roster of guest artists that are ready to pivot with us and are pleased to share them with you below. Regardless of the form the Festival takes on, it will be foremost a rewarding experience for our fellows and patrons alike, and we invite you to share it with us.

SCOTT REED President & CEO

Artists announced for 2021 Summer School & Festival 2020 MARLI fellows are eager to attend the upcoming Summer School and Festival for another season of music-making. The incredible roster of 2021 teaching artists represents the best in the industry today. Among them are Musical America’s 2021 Artists of the Year: Agents of Change – Beth Morrison and Julia Bullock. .

Julia Bullock

Three other Mosher Guest Artists teach and perform as part of the Festival: cellist and educator Steven Isserlis, known for his profound musicianship and technical mastery; percussionist/composer and 2017 MacArthur Fellow Tyshawn Sorey; and the composer/pianist Conrad Tao, a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant who recently performed for the Academy’s President’s Circle.

James Daniel

Soprano Julia Bullock is known internationally for her ground-breaking appearances in opera and recital. She is currently a collaborative partner with Esa-Pekka Salonen at the San Francisco Symphony. As a 2021 Mosher Guest Artist, she will perform in recital, lead a masterclass, and teach fellows privately in individual lessons.

Allison Michael Orenstein

Beth Morrison, the “contemporary opera mastermind” (LA Times) behind Beth Morrison Projects (BMP), gave MARLI’s Convocation keynote and adjudicated the Fast Pitch Awards. Beth and BMP’s executive director Jecca Berry will both join the Vocal Institute as faculty artists to work with their colleagues and fellows in preparation for presentations of opera and song. Beth also spoke to the Academy’s Festival of Friends online in December.

Beth Morrison

Two of the 2021 guest artists are Musical America’s 2021 Artists of the Year.

If public events are permissible and an orchestra and chorus can convene safely, the Vocal Institute Creative Director James Darrah will stage direct a concert version of Ravel’s The Child and the Magic Spells (L’enfant et les sortilèges). It will be led by Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra Marin Alsop, who has declared that, “music has the power to change lives.”

London Symphony Orchestra’s Conductor Laureate and the Academy’s Signature Festival Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas will debut in 2021 to lead orchestral fellows from the podium, teach a masterclass, and more. Other conductors slated to lead fellows in 2021 include Daniela Candillari, who led Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain at the 2019 Summer Festival; returning favorite Larry Rachleff; and assistant conductor William Long.

We look forward to introducing these innovative and exceptional artists to our fellows and community.

Unveiling the Innovation Institute Music Academy Remote Learning Institute (MARLI) this summer). Casey Molino Dunn, who was a co-director of MARLI and an integral part of its success, has been brought back to the Academy in the new position of Vice President of Innovation and Program Development to further develop these offerings year-round, and launch an Innovation Institute in 2021.

The Music Academy has continued to expand opportunities for fellows and alumni to develop into entrepreneurial and innovative artists by launching exciting initiatives in recent seasons. These include the Alumni Enterprise Awards (AEA), the affiliated Innovation Residential, and competitions such as the Fast Pitch Awards and the Digital Challenge (which were heralded as highlights of the

What to look forward to: • Performing Arts Technology, both for fellows and our campus, is a vital part of the Innovation Institute. Plans are in the works to outfit the Academy’s Hahn Hall for live streaming and enhanced video capabilities, allowing fellows to record, perform, and explore live streaming options. Fellows will also be given the opportunity to further utilize and enhance the equipment they received for MARLI this past summer.

Casey Molino Dunn

David Molino Dunn

“None of Santa Barbara’s musical institutions had a more complicated program/curriculum to be converted into the virtual than the Music Academy of the West, and the brilliance of their solution… could hardly be surpassed.”

– Noozhawk

• Our Alumni Enterprise Awards program continues to grow. This yearly grant program awards up to $20,000 for each winner to support innovation. Applicants’ programs and projects focus on artistic expression, audience building, community engagement, education, and technology. They are encouraged to address societal challenges through music. A record 98 submissions were received this fall and are now being adjudicated. The winners will be announced in January.

Innovation Institute

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Oboe studio updates

ADMINISTRATION

Eugene Izotov

Christina Tselnik

Eugene Izotov, heralded as one of the eminent wind players of his generation, has accepted an augmented leadership role at the Music Academy joined by a new roster of exceptional guest teaching artists to guide the 2021 fellows. Robert Walters, solo english horn of The Cleveland Orchestra, will return this summer. Robert last taught at the Music Academy during the 2016 Summer School and Festival. Xiomara Mass, second oboe of the St. Louis Symphony and coincidentally a former student of both Eugene and Robert, will teach in the oboe studio this summer.

The Academy is grateful with many thanks to Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, who served on the oboe faculty from 2002-2020. Her compassion, performances, and teaching excellence have inspired generations of musicians.

Eugene shared that, “The most meaningful part of teaching for me is not just passing on our great traditions, but watching a student develop their own individuality, and contributing to the artform with their unique voice. I am very proud to serve on the oboe faculty of the Music Academy – this is an inspiring place that is steeped in tradition while always looking ahead, building a bridge between imagination and possibility. I am excited to invite Robert Walters and Xiomara Mass as guest artists– Xiomara’s success as a performer will serve an inspiring example, and it will also be a great opportunity for her to pass on her own passion, knowledge, and individuality to our students.”

We anticipate an interesting and varied line-up of oboe studio masterclasses to enjoy in 2021.

Fred Lehto (second from left) getting ready for May Madness at the Music Academy in the early 1980s. Also pictured (from left): Estelle Ritter, Alan Hughes, and John Kelly.

With a record 43 years of Academy employment under his belt, buildings and grounds technician Fred Lehto has retired. Fred has been with the Academy for 58% of its 73-year existence. It’s more than a little bit hard to imagine the place without him around. Learn about Fred’s legacy in the Sept. 11 Resonance Blog post “An Immeasurable Impact.”

NEW ROLES Mark Croshaw has joined the Music Academy part time as the new Buildings and Grounds Technician.

He spent 33 years teaching high school before joining the Academy. Welcome, Mark!

Sing! launches third season online Nearly 100 young choristers representing 27 elementary schools are now participating in online rehearsals and performances led by Christine Hollinger, Daniel Newman-Lessler, and Erin McKibben (pictured above).

The Sing! Chorus and Concert Choir held their winter concert online on December 18. We invite you to watch it anytime this holiday season by visiting musicacademy.org/sing. It will be sure to bring a smile to your face!

Women’s Auxiliary continues monthly meetings

Music Academy alumna violinist Clara Lyon (’03, ’04) of the celebrated Spektral Quartet performed for Auxiliary members during their September monthly meeting via Zoom.

This vibrant group of more than 100 women of the Women’s Auxiliary has continued meeting during the pandemic. They network and build friendships at monthly meetings online featuring live music performances from alumni, faculty, and guest artists (such as Clara Lyon, pictured). Members will connect in 2021 at an annual luncheon, social events, summer picnic with Academy fellows, and holiday party when it is safe to do so. The Auxiliary continues to work on creative fundraising events and projects. In 2021 they will have the opportunity to tour the beautiful Music Academy Miraflores campus, and volunteer for Academy-related activities throughout the year, such as the Sing!

Children’s Chorus program, the Compeer Program, and ushering at the Summer Festival.

Learn more about the Auxiliary at musicacademy.org/volunteer/womens-auxiliary.

Innovation Institute

Nicole Singer has been named Director of Financial and Database Analysis. Nicole’s leadership in database management and budgeting is highly valued at the Academy.

Ana Papakhian also has a new title as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. Learn about Ana’s history with and passion for the Academy in the Nov. 11 Resonance Blog post “Hail to a Chief.”

2020 online auction a success!

MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST

ONLINE AUCTION • • •

NOV 30 – DEC 18, 2020

Unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiential auction items were up for bid, successfully netting over $100,000. Proceeds benefitted the Academy’s full-scholarship fund and vital community year-round Academy programs such as the Sing!

Children’s Chorus, and career-building alumni opportunities including the Alumni Enterprise Awards and Innovation Residential. We hope you won something EXTRAORDINARY! Thanks to all of those who are helping music thrive in our community and beyond! And many thanks to the Women’s Auxiliary for their support of the auction.

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• The 2021 AEA winners will attend the All-Online Innovation Residential in March, which will feature an array of mentors including 2021 faculty artist Beth Morrison. Under Casey’s leadership, and that of Music Academy colleagues Jamie Broumas and Anthony Paggett, the Residential will expand as the Academy enters its 75th anniversary, with increased offerings for the public, showcasing performances by AEA winners.

• Fellows and alumni can also look forward to increased Entrepreneurial Training & Career Development Offerings as part of the Innovation Institute. Casey Molino Dunn joins Music Academy faculty and guest speakers to offer varied career seminars. Topics that are part of 2021’s summer curriculum include business skills, communications, entrepreneurship, finances, and technology.

We look forward to sharing more Innovation Institute updates with you in 2021. Stay informed at musicacademy.org/innovation.

The Music Academy proudly recognizes the Ladera Foundation for their support of the Innovation Institute.

ACADEMY

IN

THE

N E W S

SB Independent / Arts Community in the Pandemic Era

The media applauded the Music Academy Remote Learning Institute (MARLI) in cover stories and features. See some highlights below and read more online at musicacademy.org/in-the-news.

MARLI SUMMER 2020

“The four-week virtual version of our city’s most ambitious music education program and festival has blossomed into one of the web’s most impressive and joyous classical music experiences.” – Charles Donelan

OperaWire / Alice Chung on MARLI, Wearing Yellow Proudly + Change in Opera

Opera News / Virtual Evolution “Speaking with Reed stirs admiration and awe.” Reed says, “Any time you lead from a place of arrogance, you are already a step behind. I’ve always said, ‘What if you had the best people in the industry—in artistic planning, in fundraising, in marketing—all working at the same organization?’ And I feel like we have that! We have the same mantra and ethics. When everybody comes together and is aligned, we can move those mountains. At least we are willing to try.” – Judith Malafronte

“MARLI has been nothing short of inspirational and thought-provoking, and responded to everything from Black Lives Matter to COVID with incisive industry talks, with speakers that were inspiring and talked about how we could shape ourselves as artists, not just someone with an instrument. It gave me the whole package.” – Alice Chung

The New York Times / The Best Classical Music of 2020

Musical America / MARLI: Music Academy of the West’s 2020 Incarnation

Faculty artist Conor Hanick was highlighted for his contribution to a world premiere in a virtual concert series presented by Caramoor in August. “Christopher Cerrone’s concerto for prepared piano and percussion quartet... received an exhilarating performance by Conor Hanick and Sandbox Percussion.” – Anthony Tommasini

“The 2020 season will go down as one of the most significant ever in its 73-year history... the experience and expertise developed from MARLI guarantees that the virtual component will continue to play an important role.” – John Fleming

Recent online donor events

Festival of Friends event: A Conversation with Beth Morrison DEC 9

President’s Circle event: An Evening with Conrad Tao NOV 18

Council of Contributors event: Up Close with the New York Philharmonic String Quartet NOV 5

The “opera disrupter” and founder of Beth Morrison Projects (BMP) led an exciting panel discussion about the opera industry, past BMP productions, and her upcoming Summer 2021 collaboration with the Music Academy. She was joined by faculty artists James Darrah and John Churchwell, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid.

Members enjoyed a private piano performance and conversation via Zoom with the 2021 Mosher Guest Artist that’s “Whipping between the establishment and the avant-garde” (NY Times) moderated by faculty artist Conor Hanick.

The event featured a very special performance and insightful conversation with the renowned quartet and Chief Artistic Officer Jamie Broumas live from the home of violinist Sheryl Staples. The quartet includes violin alumnus Frank Huang (‘98) and viola faculty artist and alumna Cynthia Phelps (‘79, ‘83).

To make a donation to the Music Academy, please visit musicacademy.org/donate.

your unwanted vehicle to the Music Academy and support our FULL-SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Donating a vehicle in support of the Music Academy’s fullscholarship program has never been easier. Our partner, CARS (Charitable Auto Resources Inc.), handles all of the details associated with your tax-deductible donation, and will even accept non-running vehicles. Donations are accepted throughout the United States.

855-500-RIDE (7433) musicacademy.org/cars

A Thanksgiving Edition PLOG

Make 2020 count There is still time to transform the lives of incredibly talented fellows in our fullscholarship program and support community initiatives while benefitting from the 2020 tax breaks in many ways.

Make a tax-deductible donation by 11:59 pm on December 31.  Donate online at musicacademy.org/donate, by check, or by phone.  Donors that itemize can deduct up to 100% of 2020 adjusted gross income for cash charitable gifts.

WATCH VIDEO

 Donors who don’t itemize can make a taxdeductible donation and take an additional “above-the-line” deduction.

Make a contribution from your IRA.

Filmed all the way from The Netherlands and Germany by 2020 MARLI alumna and 2021 clarinet fellow Gerbrich Meijer – a special PLOG was shared with the Academy community over the recent holiday.

What is a PLOG? Only the best kind of video blog - a Performance Vlog! Gerbrich first shared this concept with the Music Academy in her Digital Challenge video this past summer, which earned an Honorable Mention in the all-new competition during the Music Academy Remote Learning Institute.

Ms. Meijer was joined by alumna harpist Alyssa Katahara (‘17) in a performance of the Sonata for Flute and Harp in E-flat Major by Joseph Bologne.

Watch this video and more on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/MusicAcademyWest.

For cash or legacy gift questions, please contact: Janey Campbell | 805-695-7918 jcampbell@musicacademy.org Jill Rode | 805-695-7911 jrode@musicacademy.org

 Donors aged 70 ½ can make a qualified charitable distribution from their individual retirement account for up to $100,000 to benefit the Academy.

Donate from your Donor-Advised Fund.  For those wishing to give through a Fidelity, Schwab, or BNY Mellon donoradvised fund, make a grant request online at musicacademy.org/daf.

FANFARE

MUSICACADEMY.ORG ALU MNI

COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT

When involvement comes naturally

Fresno Philharmonic Music Director Rei Hotoda (‘88) co-hosted the Valley Public Radio (KVPR FM 89) limited series Beethoven: Crisis and Creativity which included a guest appearance by pianist Orion Weiss (‘00).

NPR’s From the Top “Daily Joy” video featured violinist Takumi Taguchi (‘19) and clarinetist Javier Morales Martinez (‘20) performing Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from West Side Story.

STRINGS

The Coopers touring the Steinway Factory in New York in 2019, arranged by the Music Academy.

Inspired by the Music Academy’s unique combination of quality educational programs and intimate community atmosphere, donors and Compeers Mary Jane and Andy Cooper have rapidly increased their involvement with the Academy over the span of just a few short years. Mary Jane is a retired special education teacher originally from San Diego, Andy a UC Riverside and UCLA graduate who retired as the head of his own concrete business. After many years in Sherman Oaks, the Coopers moved to Santa Barbara on April Fools’ Day in 1998. But living in paradise is no joke for them.

Neither is their involvement in the community. It’s clear that helping out is in Mary Jane and Andy Cooper’s DNA. Andy served a stint in the Peace Corps after college and has been involved with the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum since its inception in roles ranging from maintenance man to docent to board member.

As a musician herself, it should come as no surprise that Mary Jane’s activities tend toward music, especially music education. For the last 34 years, she’s been administering a memorial opera scholarship at Cal State Northridge – a touching and impactful tribute to a friend who passed away. She’s part of a local ukulele group that visits hospitals, retirement homes, and memory care facilities. And then there’s her 15-year involvement with the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Music Van, a music education initiative that reaches 2,000 kids every year. For her work with the Music Van, Mary Jane was awarded the MVP award from the Association of California Symphony Orchestras.

Involvement with the Music Academy, then, came naturally to the Coopers. “When I go to Music Academy concerts, especially those that feature the fellows, there is so much energy and it’s so enjoyable,” says Mary Jane. “Things are done so well, so professionally. We think the Music Academy is first class.”

As Mary Jane and Andy Cooper show, a first-class organization is only possible through the involvement of first-class people.

Read more about the Coopers in the latest Resonance Blog post at musicacademy.org/blog.

“This was possibly the most fun aspect of MARLI! It was really nice to get to know the fellows in my Compeer group, and my Compeers were so friendly and wonderful about introducing Santa Barbara and the campus to us virtually. I’m very excited to meet them in person next summer!” – Academy Fellow Thank you to all who volunteered this summer as Virtual Compeers. We truly appreciate the time and energy you invested in providing such a welcoming and supportive community experience for the fellows – even from afar.

Spektral Quartet – including violinist Clara Lyon (‘03, ‘04) and violist Doyle Armbrust (‘01, ‘03) was featured in an article by Alex Ross in The New Yorker.

Violinist Njioma Grevious (‘19) and violist/ Music Academy Fast Pitch Award winner Jay Julio (‘20) performed this November in Sound Off: Music for Bail, which uses classical music to educate audiences about the American criminal justice system and build inclusive communities.

Alumnus violinist Kevin Chen (‘16) is now a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Alumna violinist Yeokyung Kim (‘18) was appointed to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in June.

Alumna cellist Natania Hoffman (‘15) launched a podcast called the Extra Half “conversations with biculturals from all walks of life.” The first episode included her brother, violinist Benjamin Hoffman (‘12, ‘13, ‘15).

Cello alumnus Chas Barnard (‘19, ‘20), used the Music Academy Remote Learning Institute Creative Extension to help launch the Sohap Ensemble, and is its executive director.

Alumna cellist Laura Andrade (‘15) was named a 2020-2022 Ensemble Connect fellow with Carnegie Hall.

Academy alumnus Jonathan Ong (‘06,’10,’12) and the Verona Quartet are set to serve as Quartet-in-Residence at Oberlin Conservatory during the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Merz Trio, including alumna cellist Julia Yang (‘11), was featured as the Violin Channel’s Young Artist of the Week in August.

PIANO Alumna and Digital Challenge winner Byeol Kim (’20) was a finalist in the Piano Cleveland competition for Artist Relief.

For over 21 years the Compeer Program has been at the heart of the Music Academy community. No other summer festival rivals the Music Academy’s commitment to ensuring audiences and musicians connect in meaningful ways and enjoy their shared passion for music and its impact on society.

Alumnus collaborative pianist Michael Seregow (‘11) has won The American Prize in Chamber Music Performance (Professional Division) with saxophonist Bob Eason.

We hope you will be involved in this important and rewarding opportunity to get to know the extraordinary fellows who will be joining us from around the world next summer.

Zhu Wang (‘17) was recently announced as a winner of the Young Concert Artists 2020 International Auditions.

Council of Contributors members receive prioritized studio preference as a membership benefit.

Sophiko Simsive (‘18) and Luis Ortiz (‘10, ‘12) were featured on a COVID Relief for Refugees concert in October.

musicacademy.org/compeer | 805-695-7923 | compeer@musicacademy.org

NEW S

WOODWINDS Ryan Toher (‘17) has been appointed Acting 2nd/Eb Clarinet with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Music Academy alumnus Titus Underwood (‘12), principal oboist of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, was featured on Musical America Worldwide’s series Unscripted this October. (Soprano Brenda Rae (‘08) was featured in September.)

VOCAL INSTITUTE Mezzo-soprano alumna Adanya Dunn (‘14, ‘15) won the Hnatyshyn Foundation’s Developing Artist Grant for Classical Vocal Performance this September.

Congratulations to sopranos Alma Neuhaus (’20) and Kaileigh Riess (’20), mezzo-sopranos Adanya Dunn (‘14, ‘15), Anne Marie Stanley (’18), and Alice Chung (‘20), tenor Ricardo Garcia (’16), and baritone Geoffrey Schellenberg (’17), who have all been named District Winners in The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Alumna Carrie-Ann Matheson (‘97, ‘98) announced her new position mentoring young professionals as artistic director at San Francisco Opera in August.

Vocal Institute alumnae and mezzosopranos both placed at the Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s Mildred Miller International Voice Competition. Talin Nalbandian (‘18, ‘19) won second prize, while Alice Chung (‘20) won third.

Mezzo-soprano Anne Marie Stanley (‘18) won second prize in the Academy of Vocal Arts 2020 Giargiari Bel Canto Competition.

The Santa Barbara Symphony recorded Beethoven @ 250 live from our beautiful campus and featured alumna soprano Julia Metzler (‘17, ‘18).

Countertenor Logan Tanner (‘19) was selected as one of five international finalists for the Maria Labia Prize. The finals will take place in Italy in 2021.

Faculty artist and alumna Tamara Sanikidze (‘05, ‘06, ‘07) was promoted to tenured full professor and added Head of Voice Division to her title at the Butler Opera Center at University of Texas at Austin.

Miah Im (‘97, ‘98) was named head coach of the Aspen Music Festival and School’s new Opera Theater VocalARTS program.

Please send alumni updates to alumni@musicacademy.org.