Crescendo Issue I, 2023

CRESCENDO Magazine of the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts

Issue No. 1 | Spring 2023

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The Wertheim's Magnificent $10 Million Gift Reaching All-Steinway School Status Wertheim Music Students Tour World-wide

Director's Note 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.

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

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 PAGE 2

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.

Upcoming Concert Season Please join us for our upcoming 2023-2024 season of 100+ performances and master classes! We are thrilled to return to our stage this fall at The Wertheim with a thrilling array of performances featuring our award-winning FIU artist-faculty, guest artists, and talented students.

Subscribe to our concert mailing list to stay up to date and received special offers at music.fiu.edu/concerts.

Save these festival dates!

FIU Music Festival | October 26 - November 5, 2023 New Music Miami ISCM Festival | January 2024 - April 2024 FIU Miami International GuitART Festival | February 17 - 25, 2024

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Curated by Director Karen S. F. Veloz; Culminating Concert with Amernet String Quartet

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Music On Tour!

Two on-tour experiences to Carnegie Hall and Chiquitos, Bolivia

05 FIU Music Festival Highlights

Cuban National Anthem, Rarely heard Enescue Octet, Florence Price Works

Summer 2023, Italy Fundazione Lucia De Conz

Music faculty conduct research & teaching workshops in musical theatre with Italy's Accademia Teatrale Lorenzo Da Ponte PAGE 4

Table of Contents 09 12 14 16 26 28 30 32 35

Wertheim's Magnificent $10 Million Gift The Wertheim Becomes An All-Steinway Artistic Excellence Wertheim Music Students Tour Worldwide Wertheim in DC: Arts & Policy Conference FIU Research Takes Center Stage at 2023 American Liszt Society Festival Conference Music Collections at FIU Alumni on the Rise Meet Our Faculty

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Expanding Our National and Global Reach

Our Partners USA

ITALY

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

VITTORIO VENETO

Santa Fe Opera

Fondazione Lucia De Conz

SPAIN

BOLIVIA

GUATEMALA

MADRID

SANTA CRUZ

GUATEMALA CITY

Festival Brunetti

Plan Misiones

Universidad Da Vinci de Guatemala

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1300+ Alumni Across 5 Continents

National Rankings #5

#13

#4

#2

#10

BEST MUSIC COLLEGES IN FLORIDA

TOP 30 MASTER'S IN MUSIC PROGRAMS

by 2022 Best Value Schools

by 2022 Best Value Schools

BEST MASTER'S IN MUSIC EDUCATION CERTIFICATION TRACK

BEST 15 ONLINE MASTER'S IN MUSIC EDUCATION

BEST MUSIC BACHELOR'S DEGREE SCHOOLS IN FLORIDA

by 2022 Best Value Schools

by 2022 College Factual

by 2022 Intelligent.com

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DONOR'S CIRCLE IMPRESARIO $1 Million - $10 Million Dr. Herbert & Nicole Wertheim

CONDUCTOR $250,000 - $999,999 Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council Gala & Stanley M. Cohen

COMPOSER

$100,000 - $249,000 AT&T Foundation Douglas & Susan Wartzok Evelyn K. Spitalny Adele Neumann + La Laguna Holding Company, LLC.

VIRTUOSO $50,000 - $99,999 Benjamin & Kelley Alston Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Jamey Aebersold

ENSEMBLE $25,000 - $49,999 Martin W. Spector & Ann S. Lieff Men’s Opera Guild Footlighters Foundation Goldner Family Georgina Dieter Dennis Foundation

CHAMBER PLAYER

$10,000 - $24999 Chopin Foundation of the United States Diane Ashley Lady Suzanna P. & Carleton Tweed Charitable Foundation, Inc. Ocean Bank The Presser Foundation

SOLOIST

$5,000 -$9,999 FIU Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts Faculty

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+deceased Names are listed as of March 2023.

If you see any errors to this listing, please contact music@fiu.edu

QUOTED REFERENCES CAN ALSO BE HELPFUL.

WERTHEIM'S MAGNIFICENT $10 MILLION GIFT 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.

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"My life's ambition is to extend kindness and knowledge as often as possible." - Dr. Herbie

An Upsurge of Support The gift from the Wertheim family is a testament to their unwavering belief in the transformative power of music. The School of Music will utilize the funds for music students’ scholarships and fellowships to attract and retain exceptionally talented students. The gift will also be instrumental in the enhancement of state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, enabling students to explore the realms of musical innovation.

A Harmonious Vision The Wertheim family's gift is driven by their deeply rooted appreciation for the arts and their commitment to fostering creativity and excellence. Their vision aligns seamlessly with the School of Music's mission to provide a world-class education that empowers students to become accomplished musicians, educators, and leaders in the ever-evolving musical landscape.

Through this transformational contribution, the Wertheim family aims to inspire a new generation of musicians, creating an environment that encourages artistic exploration, collaboration, and the pursuit of musical mastery.

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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

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THE WERTHEIM BECOMES AN ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL 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.

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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.

FIU Professor and Artist-in-Residence Kemal Gekic chooses the exclusive Steinway Spirio Piano.

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.

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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 Quartet after the lifting of the embargo and also performed the world premiere of his Fourth Quartet in November 2022 at the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. His recordings and performances have since revealed him as one of the major Czech voices of the twentieth century.

This music is now being made accessible and published for the first time by Boosey & Hawkes in cooperation with the Exilarte Center at the mdw - University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the composer’s grandson, Peter Kreitmeir.

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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.

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 during the 2021 FIU Music Festival in collaboration with FIU Casa Cuba.

The School offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students to pursue their passion for music, including innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance, music business, composition, music education, and music technology.

FROM THE WERTHEIM TO 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.

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Student Sucess

OnTour

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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

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OnTour Santa Cruz, Bolivia

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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 late 17th century. The Jesuits brought their European instruments like violins, viols, flutes and harpsichords to these indigenous jungle communities, who adapted to them and became talented baroque and renaissance musicians, a tradition preserved to the present day—even after the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767.

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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 members Dr. 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.

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OnTour Madrid, Spain

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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.

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WERTHEIM IN DC

Arts & Policy Conference FIU 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.

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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.

John Dee and Dr. Karen S. Veloz leading a panel discussion during the conference.

Other participants were members from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Education Association, the National Endowment of the Arts, the Wertheim College of Medicine at FIU, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, The Kennedy Center, as well as staffers from the congregational offices of the Special Committee on Aging and Mario Diaz-Ballart.

The Arts & Policy Conference culminated in a performance 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. Among the selections performed was a world premiere by the FIU 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 viola and cello to reflect the tumultuous emotions Jacob experiences throughout his journey - a reflection of our society in distress.

www.kitchen.com | 27 56 PAGE

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 López who 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.

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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.

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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.

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Photo Credit: Cuban Research Institute Cristóbal Díaz-Ayala at FIU's Green Library

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.

Original scores, sheets, and photos of the Celia Cruz donation at the FIU 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.

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.

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

Celia Cruz receives Honorary Degree from FIU in 2009.

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ALUMNI

ON THE RISE

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.

KEEP IN TOUCH! Let us know how you are at music.fiu.edu.

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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

Alumni Profiles

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.

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.

Carlos Rafael Rivera BM '96, Composition

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.

Marta Brankovich MM ''08, Piano

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.

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WERTHEIM

Alumni Profiles

Ernesto Fernandez

Marcus Norris

BM '11, Flute

MM '17, Composition

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.

Norris has written for many orchestras across the nation as well as scoring the 2022 feature film, "Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul." His cross-genre style also led to a collaboration with Beyoncé, whose music Norris orchestrated for her concert in Dubai earlier this year.

Darwin O. Aquino

MM '15, Orchestral Conducting 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.

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Evelyn Saavedra

BM '14, Vocal Performance Praised for her "lustrous soprano voice", Cubanborn soprano Evelyn Saavedra is establishing herself as a “gifted young singer to watch."

(South Florida Classical Review). This fall, she made her Lincoln Center-Alice Tully Hall debut.

Innovate. Create. Perform.

OUR FACULTY Sandra SanchezAdorno, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Music Education

Ludwig Afonso Adjunct Professor, Jazz Percussion

Brenton F. Alston, D.M.A. Assistant Teaching Professor, Instrumental Conducting

Ann Anello

Barry Bernhardt

Jay Bertolet

Adjunct Professor, Musical Theatre

Associate Teaching Professor , Winds, Brass, & Percussion, Director of Bands

Adjunct Professor, Tube & Euphonium

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Noah Brisson

Ruben Caban

Jason Calloway

Nuria Camino

Adjunct Professor, Saxophone

Adjunct Professor, Jazz Trombone

Associate Teaching Professor, Cello

Adjunct Professor, Piano & Accompanying

Gary Campbell

Juvenal Correa- Salas

Robert Davidovici

Francisco Dimas

David Dolata

Professor, Saxophone

Adjunct Professor, Collegium Musicum Accompanying

Artist-in-Residence & Professor, Violin

Adjunct Professor, Trumpet

Professor, Musicology

James Drayton, D.M.A.

Robert Dundas

Dave Fernandez

Johnny Frias, Ph.D.

Federico Bonacossa, D.M.A. Assistant Teaching Professor, Music History & Music Theory

Adjunct Professor, Oboe

Associate Professor, Voice

Joel Galand,, Ph.D.

Orlando J. Garcia, D.M.A.

Associate Professor, Music Theory

FIU Distinguished University Professor, Composition

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Michael Eckroth, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Jazz Piano

Adjunct Professor, Music Appreciation

Adjunct Professor, Music of the World

Kemal Gekic

Jessica Gloria

Felix Gomez

Artist-in-Residence & Professor, Piano

Adjunct Professor, Music Business

Accompanying

James Hacker*

David Hillberry

Teaching Professor, Trumpet (1967-2023)

Adjunct Professor, Music Business

Michael Klotz

John Kricker

Teaching Professor, Viola, Amernet String Quartet

Adjunct Professor, Trombone

Thomas Lippincott

Marcia Littley

Accompanying

Adjunct Professor, Jazz Guitar

Associate Teaching Professor, Violin

Jose Lopez, D.M.A.

Mavy Mastrovito

Nick Mastrovito

Eleanor Mendoza

Adjunct Professor, Music Appreciation

Adjunct Professor, Music Appreciation

Luis Gomez

Vivian Gonzalez

Adjunct Professor, Double Bass

Adjunct Professor, Music Education

Jen Chen-Hui

Fredrick Kaufman, D.M.A.

Vindhya Khare, D.M.A.

Professor Emeritus, Composition & Founding Director of FIU School of Music

Associate Teaching Professor, Voice

Elissa Lakofsky

Dr. Yueh-Yin Liao

Adjunct Professor, Flute

Lisanne Lyons

Accompanist

Director, Jazz Vocal Ensemble

Robert "Be-Bop" Grabowski.

Adjunct Professor, Music History, Jazz

Adjunct Professor, Voice

Associate Professor, Piano

Javier Jose Mendoza, D.M.A. Assistant Professor, Orchestral Conducting

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Erynn Millard, Ph.D. Assistant Professor & Director of Choral Activities

Joyce Moore

Sam Moore

Stephannie Moore

Avi Nagin

Adjunct Professor, Music Business

Adjunct Professor, Music Business

Visiting Assistant, Teaching Professor, Musical Theatre

Assistant Teaching Professor Viola, Amernet String Quartet

Alicia RomeroSardinas

Errol Rackipov

Mariana Restrepo

Adjunct Professor, Music History

Adjunct Professor, Music Business

Joel Someillan

Russ Spiegel

Adjunct Professor, Organ

Adjunct Professor, Music Business

Adjunct Professor, Music Business

Jacob Sudol, Ph.D.

Kamilla Kent Szklarska, D.M.A.

Associate Professor, Music Theory

Adjunct Professor, Piano

Armando Tranquilino, D.M.A.

Karen S. Veloz, Ph.D.

Misha Vitenson

Colin Williams

Adjunct Professor, Music History

Associate Teaching Professor, Music Business & Director, The Wertheim

Assistant Teaching Professor, Violin Amernet String Quartet

Assistant teaching Professor, Classical Percussion

Steffen Zeichner, D.M.A.

Jamie Ousley, D.M.A.

Mesut Ozgen, D.M.A.

Associate Professor, Jazz Bass

Associate Teaching Professor, Guitar

Joanne Schulte

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Adjunct Professor, Music Education

Adjunct Professor, Jazz Violin

Play Your Part!

Play your part in transforming young musicians' lives and uplifting our entire community with your generous support.

Every gift is an investment that continues to inspire young musicians and ensures our presence as a vital cultural resource, an exciting source of innovation, and the perfect place to launch a music career.

You can give online at music.fiu.edu/giving.

PAGE 39

CRESCENDO MAGAZINE Florida International University Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts 10910 SW 17th St., Miami, FL 33199

Florida International University has been fully and continuously accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1996.

Discover more at MUSIC.FIU.EDU.

o LEARN MORE at music.fiu.edu/thewertheimlegacy

Pictured: The Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Groundbreaking Ceremony in 1995 L to R: Dr. Herbert Wertheim and Mrs. Nicole Wertheim, President Emeritus of FIU, Dr. Modesto A. Maidique, and Founding Director of the FIU School of Music, Fredrick Kaufman

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