CRESCENDO
Director'sNote
Dear music enthusiasts,
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you to the renowned FIU Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts (The Wertheim's) inaugural Crescendo Magazine. As the Director of The Wertheim, it is my honor to introduce you to the vibrant world of music, education, and performance that thrives within our institution.
At The Wertheim, we foster a dynamic environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of musical mastery. Our distinguished faculty, comprised of experienced artists, producers, and educators, inspire our students to reach new heights of artistic expression. With their wealth of experience, they offer a comprehensive and rigorous education that encompasses both traditional and contemporary approaches to music.
Through our comprehensive curriculum, we cultivate technical mastery, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of music's cultural and historical contexts. Our diverse range of musical disciplines reflects our commitment to fostering creativity and exploring new musical frontiers.
In addition to our outstanding academic programs, The Wertheim is a vibrant hub of musical activity. Our students have numerous performance opportunities in symphony orchestras, chamber groups, jazz bands, and vocal ensembles. We also host a dynamic concert series, bringing world-class artists and ensembles to our campus.
I invite you to embark on this incredible journey with us, where the power of music transcends boundaries and connects us on a profound level. Join our vibrant community of passionate musicians, and together, let us explore the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. Thank you for choosing the FIU Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts, where we strive for musical excellence and create a harmonious future to: Innovate. Create. Perform.
As you peruse the pages of this magazine, I invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of The Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts. Discover the stories of our remarkable faculty, learn about the accomplishments of our talented students, and explore the innovative programs and initiatives that define us as an institution.
Musically yours,
Karen
S. Veloz, Ph.D.
Director, FIU Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts
CRESCENDO MAGAZINE
Herbert and Nicole Wertheim
School of Music & Performing Arts
Florida International University
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
10910 SW 17th St., Miami, FL 33199
Creative Director, Karen S. Veloz
Digital Design & Art Director, Michelle Vires
Director, Karen S. Veloz
Graduate Program Director, Joel Galand
Account Manager, Michelle R. Vires
Program Manager, Yusimay L. Gonzalez
Sr. Events Manager, Nathalie Brenner
Technical Director, Paul Steinsland
Music Librarian, Enrique Caboverde
Student Services, David Fernandez
Office Coordinator, Nick Mastrovito
Academic Advisor, Jessica A. Diaz
FIU Music Hour Performances: The show takes place every Tuesday, 11am – 12pm, as a live performance and broadcast in the WDNA Jazz Gallery on historic Coral Way
Cover: Maestro Javier Jose Mendoza conducts the culminating concert with touring music students during the 2022 International American Renaissance and Baroque Music Festival in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
UpcomingConcertSeason
Pleasejoinusforourupcoming2023-2024seasonof100+ performancesandmasterclasses!Wearethrilledtoreturntoourstage thisfallatTheWertheimwithathrillingarrayofperformances featuringouraward-winningFIUartist-faculty,guestartists,and talentedstudents.
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FIUMusicFestival|October26-November5,2023
NewMusicMiamiISCMFestival|January2024-April2024
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Summer 2023, Italy
Fundazione Lucia De Conz
Music faculty conduct research & teaching workshops in musical theatre with Italy's Accademia Teatrale Lorenzo Da Ponte
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IMPRESARIO
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QUOTED
WERTHEIM'S MAGNIFICENT $10MILLIONGIFT
A PHILANTHROPIC SYMPHONY FILLS THE AIR AS DR. & MRS. WERTHEIM EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSICAL MAESTROS
In a resounding testament to the enduring power of philanthropy, The Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts has received a transformative gift of $10 million from the prestigious Wertheim family. This magnificent contribution is set to redefine the landscape of musical education, providing unprecedented resources and opportunities for budding musicians at The Wertheim. With this extraordinary act of generosity, the Wertheim family has solidified their place as instrumental champions of the arts and catalysts for the growth of young talent through scholarships, graduate assistantship opportunities for students, and support for faculty, facilities, programming, and the FIU Wertheim Marching Band.
They recognize that nurturing the talents of young musicians is not only a gift to the individual students but also a gift to society, enriching the cultural fabric of communities far and wide.
A Symphony of Impact
The $10 million gift from the Wertheim family will reverberate through The Wertheim, leaving an indelible mark on its programs, faculty, and students. With enhanced resources, the school will be able to attract and retain world-class faculty members who will ignite the musical passions of their students. Scholarships and fellowships will unlock doors of opportunity for aspiring musicians who might have otherwise been limited by financial constraints, allowing them to fully embrace their artistic aspirations.
A much-desired musical theatre degree is launching in Fall 2023, and we are well on our way to degrees in music and mindfulness with an Arts in Medicine degree program and a Music Therapy program. These programs will be held in collaboration with the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing This infusion of resources will undoubtedly elevate the School of Music's reputation as a leading institution for musical education, attracting talented individuals from around the world who seek to cultivate their musical talents. The gift will allow the school to focus on strengthening programs to prepare students to acquire a variety of music and arts related jobs.
A Symphony of Gratitude
The impact of the Wertheim family's remarkable gift will be felt far beyond the confines of the FIU campus. Students, faculty, and the wider community will benefit from the enriching experiences and cultural contributions that will arise from this extraordinary investment in the arts
“This gift expresses our continuing passion for and commitment to FIU, our extraordinary hometown university – and the importance of the performing arts, an essential aspect of quality of life. This gift to support FIU’s dynamic performing arts programs will leverage previous investments we have made in health and business, resulting in enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration between areas and impacts that will benefit our students and community.” - Dr. Herbie
THEWERTHEIMBECOMESAN
ALL-STEINWAYSCHOOL
In an extraordinary leap forward towards unparalleled standards in music education, our institution has achieved a monumental milestone: the coveted status of an All-Steinway School.
This remarkable accomplishment places us among the esteemed ranks of renowned institutions across the country, igniting a thrilling new era of musical excellence.
WORLD-CLASS STEINWAYS AND AMAZING TECHNOLOGY
The prestigious All-Steinway School designation identifies those universities and conservatories that have made the commitment to use only Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos in the classroom, practice, and performances spaces. This commitment ensures that all music students, faculty, and visiting artists have access to the world’s finest pianos.
To date, we have acquired 13 Steinway grand pianos and 29 Steinway upright pianos. The latest addition to our Steinway lineup is perhaps the most special: The Spirio
The Steinway Spirio is a high-resolution player piano capable of capturing live performance and playback through the mechanical action of the piano, rather than simply recording audio.
According to Director Dr. Karen S. Veloz, "The Spirio is a game changer. When a school has a Spirio Steinway piano, it possesses a remarkable instrument that combines the timeless craftsmanship of Steinway with cutting-edge technology, offering an unparalleled musical experience for students and faculty."
The piano's technology allows pianists to record, edit, playback, search, save and share their performances in a high-resolution format, including remote interface Performers with a Spirio can be seen and heard even halfway across the globe. This real-time capability with exact replication enables FIU students and faculty to listen and watch performances by international concert artists on FIU's own Spirio.
FIU Professor and Artist-in-Residence Kemal Gekic chooses the exclusive Steinway Spirio Piano.
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
AMERNET RESURRECT MUSIC IN NEW ALBUM
FIU’s Artist-in-Residence Ensemble, The Amernet String Quartet, has just released a groundbreaking album of string quartets nos 2 - 4 by composer Hans Winterberg This remarkable collection, now available on Toccata Classics, unveils Winterberg's hidden genius to the world.
Winterberg, a Czech Jew who endured the horrors of internment in the Terezín (Theresienstadt) ghetto during World War II, remained in obscurity until recently.
In 2016, the Amernet performed his Third Q the lifting of the embargo and also performe premiere of his Fourth Quartet in Novembe Fred Fox School of Music at the University o Tucson, AZ.
His recordings and performances have since as one of the major Czech voices of the twen
This music is now being made accessible an for the first time by Boosey & Hawkes in coo the Exilarte Center at the mdw - University o Performing Arts Vienna and the composer’s Peter Kreitmeir.
FACULTY PAYS TRIBUTE TO HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE IN PARIS
In Paris this January, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESO) commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of Nazi persecution.
The ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Shoah Memorial, included a performance of Jorge Grundman's Shoah, for Solo Violin and Sacred Temple, interpreted and played by our FIU Artist-in-Residence, Robert Davidovici
Romanian-American Davidovici was the son of survivors of the extermination camps. He began his studies with the legendary David Oistrackh and later with Ivan Galamian at The Juilliard School.
The work arose from the need to write music to honor, among others, the children who made more than four thousand five hundred drawings made between 1942 and 1944 in the concentration camps to escape the terror that surrounded them
NASM REACCREDITATION SINCE 1996
This academic year was another milestone year as the Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts has once again been awarded full reaccreditation from the National Association of Music (NASM), a recognition continually received since 1996.
NASM establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines It also provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational and other music-related endeavors.
The School offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students to pursue their p u p m
CUBAN NATIONAL ANTHEM RECORDING
An orchestral recording of the Cuban National Anthem co-produced by 19-Grammy Award winner, Emilio Estefan and Dr. Karen S. Veloz, had its world premiere at The Wertheim.
The arrangement, written by Javier Concepcion, was performed by the FIU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Javier Mendoza d i h 2021 FIU M i F i l i
WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
An exciting time full of collaborations, masterclasses, performances, traveling, and networking made for an incredible tour experience, spanning from The Wertheim to Washington, D C this February
It began with a visit to our campus by Barcelonaborn organist Aaron Ribas, in partnership with the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C., and culminated with an exhilarating recital on the Washington National Cathedral’s Great Organ.
OnTour
We finally made it! Our exceptional music students and faculty performed their inaugural concert at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium in 2223.
The experience was extra special as we celebrated the return of live music in New York City by performing in one of North America’s most iconic music halls!
Our student singers were part of the National Festival Chorus conducted by Elizabeth Swanson of University of Colorado – Boulder. The program, "Hope Rising," featured the world premiere of "Our Birthright" by Jeffery Nycth.
The concert was a special capstone experience for graduating seniors and vocal students who were selected after a competitive audition process this year. These incredible FIU students, guided by Dr. Erynn Millard, Dr. Vindhya Khare, and Dr. Karen Veloz, graced the stage that has hosted world-class performers and soloists from all over the globe.
While on tour, our students were motivated to practice and push beyond their limits, aiding them in furthering their artistic potential and enhancing their professionalism. In addition to their performance, they were exposed to a wide variety of music, made lasting friendships with other students throughout the country, and explored New York City’s historic landmarks.
"I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to go on tour with our School of Music and even more blessed to have gone with this group of faculty and students. This experience has shown me that no matter what you do, your hard work and dedication pays off.
"
-
Noelia Lee Luna, undergraduate soprano
NYC, Times Square
March 2022
Santa Cruz, Bolivia OnTour
After just returning from Carnegie Hall, we headed to Bolivia on April 23 to May 7, 2022.
FIU music students, accompanied by faculty members, Dr. Javier Jose Mendoza (Director of Orchestral Studies) and Dr. Erynn Millard (Director of Choral Activities), performed in the 2022 International American Renaissance and Baroque Music Festival in Chiquitos, Bolivia.
Regarded as Bolivia’s most significant cultural event and the world’s largest of its kind, the festival is carried out by the Asociación Pro Arte y Cultura every two years. It featured 100 concerts over ten days featuring artists from fourteen countries including Juilliard415 (Period-instrument Ensemble), Royal College of Music Baroque Orchestra, and more.
Not only did our students perform in the culminating concert, “Barroco Monumental,” but our faculty conducted the program which includes Haydn's "Lord Nelson Mass” and G.F. Handel's "The King Shall Rejoice" from his "Coronation Anthems," along with eighteenthcentury music of the Jesuit missions in Bolivia.
During their free time, our students volunteered at the nearby orphanage for girls, “Hogar Sonrisa de Mariele” where they gave individual lessons
Did you know? The region of Santa Cruz in southeastern Bolivia, bordering with Brazil, was named “Chiquitos” by the Jesuit missionaries from Europe who arrived in the 7th century. The Jesuits brought their ean instruments like violins, viols, and harpsichords to these indigenous communities, who adapted to them ecame talented baroque and
OnTour
Costa Rica
"It was an honor to assist in bringing international attention to our unique North American cultural gem- jazz music The experience was transformative for both the students and myself, fostering growth and understanding - Dr Michael Eckroth, Assistant Professor, Jazz Piano
This March, members of the FIU Jazz Latin Ensemble and Jazz Combos went on tour with Jazz Piano Professor Michael Eckroth to represent the university as participants of the Promising Young Artists (PYA) 2023 Program – a collaboration between The Costa Rican - North American Cultural Center and the Embassy of the United States.
This cultural exchange program allows students and professors from U.S. universities to deepen their connection to, and strengthen learning links with, the Costa Rican public and its students in a way that generates dialogue that brings everyone together from different practices and cultures.
The group's efforts centered around the areas of San Jose and the province of Guanacaste, with the students performing in several sites such as the CCCN, The Lincoln School Concert Hall (San Jose), Colegio Nicoya, Guanacaste Concert Band Amphitheater and the Santa Cruz Sanctuary Church.
The students also conducted masterclasses, sharing their knowledge and passion with aspiring musicians at the Guanacaste Concert Band, SINEM music schools, Escuela de Música de Santo Domingo, and the Instituto Nacional de la Música.
Participating FIU students - Bruno Osega (trumpet), Calvin Gay (bass), Victor Sanchez (percussion) and Dereck Sanguino (guitar) - presented a diverse repertoire that showcased their versatility and talent. From compositions by contemporary jazz virtuosos like Ambrose Akinmusire, Harish Ragavan, Justin Kauflin, and Roy Hargrove to timeless jazz standards, each performance was a testament to the students' dedication and artistry
Yet, this tour was about more than just music Our students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture, savoring the warmth and hospitality of their hosts This cultural exchange provided invaluable personal and professional growth for the students, shaping them into wellrounded individuals
This tour will be remembered as a milestone in the ongoing exchange of music and ideas between the United States and Costa Rica, leaving a lasting impact on all those involved
OnTour
Santa Fe, New Mexico
In Partnership with the Santa Fe Opera, Young Voices Program
This extraordinary partnership between the The Wertheim and the Santa Fe Opera had its beginnings in early 2020. After years of preparation and anticipation, the students were finally able to head out to the West Coast for an incredible on tour opportunity with the Young Voices Program this March
Throughout the week-long residency, the students engaged in a variety of activities designed to foster artistic and professional growth.
The students toured the grounds of the opera center and were able to explore production areas, such as costume and set design workshops, rehearsal spaces, and backstage areas. These behind-the-scenes glimpses provided a deeper understanding of the intricate production process that brings operatic performances to life
One of the highlights of this collaboration was the series of masterclasses with renowned violinist Arnold Steinhardt, best known as the first violinist of the famed Guarneri String Quartet, and David Lomeli, the first Latino in US history to occupy a top artistic position at a Level 1 opera company and currently serves as the Chief Artistic Officer of the Santa Fe Opera.
These world-class artists shared their expertise, provided invaluable guidance, and inspired the aspiring musicians to reach new heights in their craft.
The week continued with an online audition class led by Kathleen Clawson, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to refine their audition techniques and gain insights from a seasoned professional Following this, Amy Owens, an accomplished opera singer, conducted a masterclass, guiding the students in harnessing their vocal talents and further honing their stage presence.
This incredible residency culminated in a final concert between FIU and the Young Voices Program of the Santa Fe Opera Held at the prestigious St. Francis Auditorium, this performance was a celebration of music, uniting voices from both organizations. The repertoire featured arias and choruses from beloved operas, as well as works from Zarzuela and lesser-known 18th-century pieces from colonial Latin America.
Embracing the diversity of our university community, where nearly 70% of students are Hispanic, FIU student musicians showcased the music of their heritage, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.
The touring students and faculty membersDr Javier Jose Mendoza, Professor Robert Dundas, and Dr Karen Veloz - were deeply thankful to their hosts at the Santa Fe Opera for this extraordinary opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate with the Young Voices Program.
OnTour Madrid, Spain
We are proudly announce that the Wertheim Camerata, our touring ensemble of select vocal and instrumental students, embarked on their first European tour this Spring for a week of cultural exchange, musical research in tour producing, and captivating performances!
The students were invited to participate in the prestigious 2023 Festival Brunetti, held in Colmenar de Oreja, Spain, from April 14 to April 30 Their performance on the festival's closing day, at the awe-inspiring Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor, showcased the often-neglected music from the Spanish Realm in the New World during the 18th century, including mesmerizing works from Peru, New Spain (Mexico and Guatemala), performed in Spanish and Quechua.
The Wertheim Camerata's inclusion in the festival is a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication. Under the guidance of faculty members Dr. Javier Jose Mendoza, Conductor of the FIU Symphony Orchestra, and Dr. Erynn Millard, the FIU Choral Activities Director, the students have diligently prepared to breathe new life into the works of Brunetti and his contemporaries, while Dr Karen S Veloz prepared the students for touring as professional musicians
Under the guidance of Dr. Karen Veloz, graduate students in the Music Management program produced the entire tour, providing students with a real-world touring experience. This remarkable opportunity allows them to delve into the intricate nuances of Spanish Heritage music, unearthing forgotten compositions and shining a spotlight on their enduring beauty. The passion for preserving these musical treasures resonates with Mendoza, emphasizing the importance of reviving neglected pieces: "So much of the music of Spanish Heritage has been neglected. We are honored to be a part of this festival to bring more attention to the music of Brunetti and his contemporaries."
Collaborating with fellow musicians from around the world at Festival Brunetti will foster connections and friendships that transcend borders, reinforcing the universality of music as a language of unity and understanding.
WERTHEIM IN DC
Conference
yFIU IN DC: IDEA EXCHANGE
THE IDEA EXCHANGE LED BY CARLOS BECERRA, ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AT FIU IN DC, IS FIU IN DC'S PLATFORM FOR CONVENING NATIONAL DIALOGUES AROUND THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES FACING THE NATION, WASHINGTON, D C AND SOUTH FLORIDA.
For the first time in FIU history, the Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts presented an Arts & Policy Conference on February 11, 2022, in collaboration with FIU in DC, featuring national leaders and policymakers.
The conference marked the launch of a national initiative curated by The Wertheim's Music Director, Dr Karen S Veloz, aimed at exploring policy solutions and promoting greater leadership by research universities in bridging the gap between music, education, arts, medicine, and mental health.
She, along with Dr. Beatriz Currier, Medical Director of Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health Systems, and John Dee, Professor of Oboe at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, led a roundtable discussion and intimate luncheon about ways in which music can be used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Wertheim College of Medicine at FIU, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, The Kennedy Center, as well as staffers from the congregational office of the Special Committee on Aging and Mario Diaz-Ballar
The Arts & Policy Conference culminated in a performan curated & produced by Dr. Karen S. Veloz at The Florida House with FIU’s acclaimed Artist-in-Residence Ensemble the Amernet String Quartet, and oboist John Dee Amon the selections performed was a world premiere by the F School of Music Founding Director, Fredrick Kaufman, called “Jacob Wrestling with the Angel” - inspired by a biblical passage found in the Book of Genesis. Kaufman interpreted the biblical story into music by using the viol and cello to reflect the tumultuous emotions Jacob experiences throughout his journey - a reflection of our society in distress.
John Dee and Dr. Karen S. Veloz leading a panel discussion during the conference.
John Dee and Dr. S. Veloz leading a panel discussion during conference.
FIU RESEARCH TAKES CENTER STAGE AT 2023 AMERICAN LISZT SOCIETY FESTIVAL CONFERENCE
The annual 2023 American Liszt Society (ALS) Festival Conference, held from May 18 - May 21, at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL, was a testament to the exceptional programming and research prominence of FIU's esteemed music faculty.
Co-hosted and meticulously programmed by FIU Professor of Keyboard Studies Dr. José Lópezwho also serves as the president of the South Florida Chapter of the ALS - the festival featured a series of captivating performances, presentations, and collaborations by acclaimed musicians and distinguished scholars from around the world.
The festival's theme "Liszt and Schubert" commemorated the 200th anniversary of the creation/publication of the "Wanderer" Fantasy, D. 760 (1822-23) and its influence on Liszt's compositional development, especially the use of thematic/rhythmic transformation as a unifying force
Equally central to the festival was the exploration of Schubert's songs in piano transcriptions and the influence of Schubert's Czech contemporaries on the development of the quintessential short character piano piece during the Romantic era
Attendees were treated to enlightening lectures and presentations by esteemed scholars Jay Rosenblatt, Mark DeZwaan, Ben and Elizabeth Arnold who delved into various facets of Liszt and Schubert's musical genius. The complete Schöne Müllerin cycle (1823) from Schubert's Lieder production was presented as well as a remarkable rendition of the complete Soirées de Vienne and Années de Pèlerinage Book I ("Suisse").
Robert Dundas, tenor and Associate Professor of Vocal Studies, presented a lecture unveiling unknown lieder of German author and composer, Peter Gast, who remains largely unknown to many audiences. His research of Nietzsche’s St. Peter shed light on the many guises in which Liszt’s sensitivity to the written word appeared in his compositions.
FIU Distinguished University Professor, Dr Orlando Jacinto Garcia was commissioned by both the South Florida and James Madison Chapters of the ALS to write a piano work for this year's festival and brilliantly performed by Jose Lopez, which incorporated subtle musical references to Liszt, Wagner, and Garcia’s own mentor, the late Morton Feldman, and was brilliantly performed by José López López further showcased his musicianship with a captivating collaboration with soprano Sonya Baker from James Madison University, premiering the rare and exquisite songs of 19thcentury Afro-Cuban composer José Manuel Jiménez. Jiménez, who studied with Ignaz Moscheles in Leipzig, and who had the privilege of performing for both Liszt and Wagner, left an indelible mark on Cuba’s musical history, and merits greater dissemination worldwide.
FIU Artist-in-Residence and piano powerhouse, Kemal Gekic, showcased his virtuosity by delving into the rarely heard Liszt two-handed version of Schubert's Divertissement a la Hongroise, originally composed for four hands. His interpretation of Liszt's monumental Sonata in B minor demonstrated his profound musicality and technical brilliance.
Through innovative research, captivating performances, and scholarly engagement, FIU faculty and the American Liszt Society underscored the importance of research, collaboration, and the preservation of musical heritage. Together, they continue to shape the future of classical music scholarship, ensuring the lasting impact of Liszt's profound contributions to the world of music
Green Library’s music collection —like the university itself—is young and growing, having been made richer by many donors.
The music resources available to the School of Music and to the greater university continue to expand. They include archival collections, full-text databases, online scores, sound and video recordings; reference works, article indexes, discographies, bibliographies; websites of scholarly societies, and more.
The Julian and Judy Kreeger Collection is an archive boasting over 27,000 classical music recordings, encompassing albums, tapes, videos, books and sheet music. It is believed to be one of the largest private collections of classical piano music.
The collection features many early and rare Sovietera vinyl recordings of distinguished pianists including Emil Gilels, Svatoslav Ritcher, Vladamir Sofronitsky, Maria Grinberg, Yakov Fliere, Mark Taimanov, Maria Yudina, Lazar Berman, as well as a 1903 (78 rpm) recording by Camille Saint-Saens performing on the piano.
The Díaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection is the most comprehensive of its kind in the world.
Originally valued at over a million dollars, it comprises approximately 150,000 items that span the history of popular Cuban and other Latin musics. The collection features 45,000 LPs; 15,000 78 rpms; 4,500 cassettes containing interviews with composers and musicians, radio programs, music, and other materials; 5,000 pieces of sheet music; 3,000 books; and thousands of CDs, photographs, videocassettes, and paper files. Among the collection's rarest items are early recordings made in prerevolutionary Cuba.
The collection, donated to FIU in 2001, was started in the 1950s by Cristóbal Díaz-Ayala and restarted all over again in Puerto Rico in the 1960s.
Photo Credit: Cuban Research Institute Cristóbal Díaz-Ayala at FIU's Green Library
The Celia Cruz Music Score Collection is a historic donation made by The Celia Cruz Foundation in 2021 that benefits FIU CasaCuba, FIU Libraries, and our very own School of Music.
It is a cultural treasure that includes 230 longand short-form musical scores belonging to the legendary Cuban singer and "Queen of Salsa", who died in 2003.
One of the few women to succeed in the male-dominated world of salsa music, she was a dazzling performer of many genres of Afro-Caribbean music for over five decades and recorded more than 50 albums.
It will be part of the Díaz Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection- the most extensive publicly available collection of Cuban music in the United States.
Our faculty and students will use the collection for educational purposes in classrooms and curricula focused on the analysis and study of music composition, jazz ensemble, instrumental music, vocal performance and music business courses
Initial finds of the collection include:
Notes from Cruz in the margins of the scores written for her
A handwritten transcription signed by Cruz
A piece handwritten by Bebo Valdés, Cuban pianist, composer and bandleader Arrangements by other renowned artists like Tito Puente, Sonny Bravo, Charlie Palmieri, and Joe Loco
The gift benefits the Next Horizon campaign, which advances student success and research excellence at FIU.
Original scores, sheets, and photos of the Celia Cruz donation at the FIU Green Library.
Celia Cruz receives Honorary Degree from FIU in 2009.
KEEP IN TOUCH! Let us know how you are at music.fiu.edu.
ON THE RISE ALUMNI
With over 1300+ music alumni across the globe, this incredible network continues to grow, offering a rich resource for career development, mentorship, and professional collaborations. Alumni are harnessing the power of this global community to support one another, offering advice, job leads, and invaluable expertise.
The shared experiences and shared passion for our alma mater have reinvigorated the spirit of community, inspiring graduates to give back and contribute to the success of future generations.
WERTHEIM AlumniProfiles
Tony Succar
BM '08, MM '10, Jazz Performance
Tony took home two Latin Grammys for Producer of the Year and Best Salsa Album in 2019, making history as the youngest winner to have won both categories.
Carlos Rafael Rivera
BM '96, Composition
Kevin Sylvester
BM '03, Violin
Kev is a violinist of Grammy-nominated hip hop duo, Black Violin. Known for blending hip hop with classical styles, his duo performs over 200 concerts each year. He has performed at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra to opening for for Wu-Tang Clan.
His work for Film and TV includes scores for Netflix’ GODLESS, for which he received a Primetime Emmy, Universal Pictures’ A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES, the hit TV show and 15-time EMMY nominee HACKS for HBO Max. MM ''08, Piano
Marta Brankovich
Marta was nicknamed "Black Swan of Piano" by the The Miami Herald. Her composition "Slava," is a Bronze medal winner for the Best Classical Composition in 2022, according to Global Music Awards.
WERTHEIM AlumniProfiles
Ernesto album titled "Palante" was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY in 2020 for Best Traditional Tropical Album - a collaboration with worldrenowned guest artists from the classical and Latin music industry.
Darwin's career has taken him to orchestra halls and opera theaters across the globe. His presence as a Dominican artist is seen as a bright light for diversity and inclusion in classical music.
Innovate. Create. Perform.
OUR FACULTY
Sandra SanchezAdorno, Ph.D.
BrentonF.Alston, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor, Music Education
Assistant Teaching Professor, Instrumental Conducting
Ludwig Afonso
Adjunct Professor, Jazz Percussion
AnnAnello
Adjunct Professor, Musical Theatre
BarryBernhardt
Associate Teaching Professor , Winds, Brass, & Percussion, Director of Bands
JayBertolet
Adjunct Professor, Tube & Euphonium
Fede
Ass Profes &
GaryCampbell Professor, Saxophone
JuvenalCorrea-Salas
RobertDavidovici
Associate Te Professo Cello
Adjunct Professor, Piano & Accompanying
JamesDrayton, D.M.A.
Adjunct Professor, Oboe
Adjunct Professor, Collegium Musicum Accompanying
RobertDundas
Associate Professor, Voice
Associate Professor, Music Theory
Artist-in-Residence & Professor, Violin
MichaelEckroth, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Jazz Piano
FranciscoDimas
Adjunct Professor, Trumpet
DavidDolata Professor, Musicology
Adjunct Professor, Music Appreciation
Adjunct Professor, Music of the World
Adjunct Professor, Music Business
JasonCallo
NuriaCamino
DaveFernandez
JohnnyFrias, PhD
JoelGaland,, Ph.D.
OrlandoJ DM
JessicaGloria
FelixGomez Accompanying
LuisGomez
Adjunct Professor, Double Bass
JenC Acco
VivianGonzalez
Adjunct Professor, Music Education
Robert"Be-Bop" Grabowski
Adjunct Professor, Music History, Jazz
FredrickKaufman, DMA
Professor Emeritus, Composition & Founding Director of FIU School of Music
Elissa
Adjunct F
JamesHacker* TeachingProfessor, Trumpet (1967-2023)
DavidHillberry
Adjunct Professor, Music Business
Adj t P f
MichaelKlotz
Teaching Professor, Viola, Amernet String Quartet
MarciaLittley
Lisanne Lyons
Director, Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Adjunct Professor, Music Appreciation
Associate Teaching Professor, Violin
Adjunct Professor, Music Appreciation Elean Adjun
Associate Professor, Piano
Assistant Professor, Orchestral Conducting
Dr.Yueh-YinLiao
ThomasLippincott
JoseLopez, D.M.A.
MavyMastrovito
NickMastrovito
JavierJoseMendoza, D.M.A.
Eryn P
Assistan Direct A
Adjunct Professor, Music Business
Associate Professor,
Adjunct Professor, Organ
Adjunct Professor, Music Business
Visiting Assistant, Teaching Professor,
Teaching Professor
Associate Teaching Professor, Music Business & Director, The
omeronas ofessor, ucation
Associate Professor, Music Theory
Adjunct Professor, Piano
JoyceMoore
Sam Moore
Stephannie Moore
Musical Theatre
AviNagin
Assistant
Viola, Amernet String Quartet
JamieOusley, D.M.A.
Jazz Bass
JoanneSchulte
JacobSudol, PhD
KamillaKent Szklarska,DMA
Armando Tranquilino,D.M.A.
Adjunct Professor, Music History
MishaVitenson
Assistant Teaching Professor, Violin Amernet String Quar
KarenS.Veloz, Ph.D.
Wertheim
ColinWilliams
Assistant teaching Professor, Classical Percussion
SteffenZeichner, D.M.A.
Adjunct Professor, Jazz Violin
