This Week at the College of Music: Community Edition - Feb. 17, 2022

“As a composer, I rarely write a piece for an instrument. I am much more interested in writing a piece for the human who is performing the work.” Brooklyn, New York-based composer, improviser and saxophonist Aakash Mittal (BM ‘07) is collaborating with current student MarieFaith Lane—who’s pursuing a master’s in violin performance and pedagogy—on a project blending Hindustani and Western Classical music. In this in-depth alumni spotlight, be inspired by Mittal’s unique approach to creating a new solo work for violin, and the evolution of his artistry and career.

• Colorado musicians unite to raise support for Marshall Fire relief: On Feb. 19, Colorado Public Radio is partnering with Front Range Media and music organizations for an online benefit concert “Above the Ashes: A Virtual Concert for Marshall Fire Relief.” The concert will feature more than 10 local ensembles and artists, including the College of Music’s Takács Quartet, Ars Nova Singers and the Boulder Bach Festival. They are also joined by cellist Joshua Halpern and CU Boulder faculty Chas Wetherbee on violin with David Korevaar on piano. Learn more and sign up to attend the virtual premiere.
• After tragedy, one town reopens the doors (The Washington Post): Nearly a year beyond the King Soopers mass shooting, Boulder residents ask: What does it mean to heal? Says College of Music student and survivor Louis Saxton, who played the cello at the memorial fence for 10 days to honor the 10 victims: “Being a survivor ... makes me thankful for the days that I don’t want to get out of bed. Thankful for the days I fight with my family, fight with my professors, fight with my friends. Grateful for the hard days, and it makes the good days even better.”
• The College of Music’s Assistant Professor of Guitar Nicolò Spera honored the 30th anniversary of French composer Maurice Ohana’s death with this evocative performance of “Si le jour paraît” (1963). Spera is one of the few guitarists in the world to perform on both six-string and ten-string guitars.
• Faculty Tuesdays bring wondrous performances to attendees—for free: A reminder that, most Tuesdays throughout the academic year, our faculty + guests treat audiences to their talents. Join us!

• Interested in hiring a musician for your party, corporate event, wedding or other celebration? Visit the CU Gigs website!
• Stay current with the College of Music in our online newsroom
• COVID-19 protocols on campus: CU Boulder’s indoor mask mandate remains in effect in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status or Boulder County mask requirements.