Strings news

Friends, My heart is heavy. Associate Professor of Violin Charles (Chas) Wetherbee passed away on Jan. 9, 2023, after a courageous fight against cancer. A beloved member of our faculty since 2012, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Having studied at the Curtis Institute of Music,...

“Having a ‘home’ audience of loyal Takács fans is a huge honor … and makes the concert experience more than just about the music itself. It’s about the relationships formed through the shared love of music.”

In the final Dean’s Downbeat of the year, Dean John Davis announces Allan McMurray’s 2023 University Medal; describes how the important, prescient work of the Sphinx Organization underscores his vision for the College of Music ... and more.

“This wonderful concert series allows the faculty to show our individuality in style and interests, and I’m excited to share my perspective in my first Faculty Tuesdays recital this week!” says new Assistant Professor of Violin Alex Gonzalez.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022-23 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Performance Competition!

Violist Avedis Escandon shares what diversity means to him and how he strives to encourage others to become DEI advocates as well. “Just like with music, major changes don’t happen overnight—change requires small bits of effort over time, so we cannot discount the impact of a meaningful dialogue.”

A new member of the College of Music faculty shares his approach to preparing students to become universal musicians, and fostering an environment of diversity and inclusivity. “It's not about hyper-specialization, but about flexibility, creativity and keeping an open mind,” he says.

On May 5, we look forward to welcoming back Judith Glyde, formerly professor of cello and chamber music at the College of Music and chair of our string faculty. Since retiring in 2014 to live in New York City, the professor emerita she has been active with the college’s alumni community there, offering tremendous support to Forever Buffs who are now living and working in the city.

This spring’s Outstanding Graduating Senior award goes to composition major Nelson Walker. Congratulations to Walker and all our outstanding 2022 grads!

In a delayed celebration of the College of Music’s 100th anniversary, the CU Symphony Orchestra will perform a specially commissioned work by renowned composer Christopher Theofanidis. “The one thing you can do is create something that represents you—a musical poem that you leave behind for others to enjoy and perform,” says the Grammy-nominated composer whose “On the Bridge of the Eternal” will debut in Macky Auditorium on April 26.