Three Schulich vocalists win Ottawa Choral Society’s New Discoveries Auditions
Congratulations to Simone McIntosh (MMus ’17), Jonah Spungin (BMus ’16, MMus ‘18) and Anna-Sophie Neher (MMus ’18) for winning first, second and third prize respectively in last week’s New Discoveries Auditions by the Ottawa Choral Society. Held every other year, the New Discoveries Auditions provides emerging vocal artists with a professional platform, broad audience exposure and career development opportunities.
Obituary: Barbara Whitley
The Schulich School of Music is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Barbara Whitley, a long-time friend and supporter of the School. Dr, Whitley received her BA from McGill University in 1940 and an Honorary Doctorate in Arts in 1992, and was an accomplished actor, philanthropist and volunteer. She had just celebrated her 100th birthday this past April.
Standout singer Nana Mouskouri appears in Schulich masterclass
On May 20, 2018, Schulich students had a rare chance to get direct feedback from a singing legend – Nana Mouskouri.
Ryan Nauta (tenor), Jonah Spungin (baritone), Jessica Burnside (soprano) and Elie Manousakis (soprano) performed as part of in a masterclass in Tanna Schulich Hall where Mouskouri (DLitt 2013) offered guidance based on a wealth of experience from her 60-year career.
Matt Haimovitz named inaugural John Cage Fellow at the Mannes School of Music
Earlier this year, cellist and Schulich professor Matt Haimovitz was appointed as the first-ever John Cage Fellow at the New School's Mannes School of Music. As part of this artist-in-residence program, Haimovitz will be actively involved in Mannes activities, including acting as an ensemble coach, teaching private lessons, and engaging in joint endeavors with Schulich.
Dominique Labelle wins the 2017-18 Teaching Award in the performance area
Congratulations to Dominique Labelle, winner of Schulich's 2017-18 Teaching Award in the performance area.
Richard King wins the 2017-18 Teaching Award in the research area
Congratulations to Richard King, winner of Schulich's 2017-18 Teaching Award in the research area.
Amy Hillis wins 2018 E-Gré National Music Competition in Strings
Congratulations to Amy Hillis (D.Mus 2019), who won the 41st Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition in Strings this past weekend for her stunning final-round performance with collaborative pianist Katherine Dowling.
McGill alumn launches transcription app Frettable
In January of this year, Greg Burlet (MA 2013) launched Frettable, a mobile app that makes music transcription easier than ever. Using artificial intelligence, the app analyzes audio played from guitar, voice, brass or woodwinds and turns it into sheet music. Adopted by thousands of users since launch, the app is available on the iTunes app store and Google Play in a free or subscription-based model.
Moe Touizrar: Winner of the John Rea Travel Award in Composition
This year’s John Rea Travel Award has been awarded to doctoral candidate Moe Touizrar. Established in 2016 by Prof. John Rea, the prize is awarded each year to a student in composition who is travelling during the summer to broaden their cultural experience and depth of knowledge.
Richard Stoelzel: Building a Legacy
Prof. Richard Stoelzel, Professor of Trumpet and Brass Area Chair at the Schulich School of Music, recently released his latest record – Horizon. This newest release features many works for trumpet and orchestra that Stoelzel commissioned specifically for the release, and sees him joined by the Polish Camerata Chamber Orchestra. In light of this exciting new disc, we spoke to Prof. Stoelzel about the album, performing as a soloist and more in a recent email exchange.
Zarin Mehta to receive Honorary Doctorate of Music
Among 13 other outstanding individuals slated to receive honorary doctorates from McGill University is Zarin Mehta, who will be presented with a Doctor of Music at the music convocation ceremony on May 30, 2018.
Kaiya Smith Blackburn: Winner of the 2018 Dean’s Essay Prize
Congratulations to Kaiya Smith Blackburn, a current masters student in the musicology program, who was awarded 1st place in the 2017-18 Dean’s Essay Prize for her project “Black Israelites, Social Justice, and Kendrick Lamar: Meditations on a Rhetorical Branch of African American/Jewish Relations.”
The upcoming projects of jazz drummer Valérie Lacombe
Blog post by Chris Maskell.
Jazz drummer Valérie Lacombe (BMus ’18) is an active musician and leader in Montreal who has worked with many of the city’s most celebrated musicians. Having had just finished up her graduating recital on Monday, we interviewed Valérie over email about her experience here at Schulich as well as her upcoming projects.
How does the BMus jazz program influence your development as an artist?
Taylor Donaldson: Promoting and Preserving Canadian Jazz
Trombonist, composer and arranger Taylor Donaldson (MMus 2011) has been actively involved in the Montreal music scene for almost a decade, performing in jazz ensembles of all sizes, with symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, choirs and more.
Schulich at the Montreal International Jazz Festival
The Schulich School of Music is well represented this year at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, with our students, faculty and alumni appearing in a variety of concerts throughout the festival's program. Some of these performances include: