October 13, 2006
World premiere and more highlights Eastman Weekend
Bill Dobbins, professor of jazz studies and contemporary media, leads the Eastman Jazz Ensemble.
elebrating the past, present, and future is the theme of this year’s Eastman Weekend, a three-day event from October 20 to 22 that, for the first time, combines Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, and the Eastman Community Music School Open House. The event offers a unique opportunity for the University community and the public to take part in a series of concerts, presentations, and workshops that showcase the scholarship and artistry that are Eastman trademarks.
Jamal Rossi, the school’s interim dean, says the weekend program reflects Eastman’s core values and a continuing commitment to artistry, scholarship, leadership, and community.
“The weekend promises to be a special time for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater—There’s nothing like coming back,” says Rossi. “For everyone else, it is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the richness of Eastman and the many ways through which it enhances our community and our lives.”
Among the weekend’s performance highlights is a world premiere of a new work by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer George Walker ’56E (DMA). Commissioned by Eastman’s Hanson Institute for American Music, Foils for Orchestra (Hommage à Saint George) will make its debut on October 21 performed by the Eastman Philharmonia under the direction of Neil Varon, professor of conducting and ensembles. The work marks the 50th anniversary of Walker’s connection to Rochester as an alumnus.
The first black composer to win the Pulitzer, Walker has amassed an amazing body of work that includes concertos, sonatas, quartets, orchestral pieces, and many other compositions. He has been honored with Guggenheim, Whitney, and Fulbright fellowships, and in 2000 was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Those who have followed his music may recognize in this new composition themes he has explored in previous orchestral works such as harmonic usage and instrumentation. However, Walker says, Foils explores new ideas as well. He describes the work as “full of musical and lyrical contrasts.”
Other weekend performances include an Eastman Wind Ensemble concert on October 20 at 8 p.m. in Eastman Theatre and a chorale concert on October 21 at 2 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall featuring a select ensemble of singers performing a program of Mozart’s choral works. The Eastman Jazz Ensemble will perform on October 22 at 3 p.m. in Eastman Theatre under the direction of Bill Dobbins, professor of jazz studies and contemporary media, joined by the New Jazz Ensemble, playing music not often heard or yet recorded, under the direction of Dave Rivello, assistant professor of jazz studies and contemporary media.
The school will honor two notable luminaries during the weekend: Professor Emeritus John Maloy and Professor Emeritus Sidney Mear. On October 21, a portrait of Maloy, who has served as a member of the voice faculty for four decades, will be unveiled. The school will honor Mear with the 2006 Alumni Mentor Tribute for his musicianship and devotion to teaching—only the second time in the school’s history that the award has been given.
President Seligman will preside over Eastman’s inaugural 50th Reunion Medallion Ceremony on October 21. The current 50th reunion classes of 1955 and 1956 will be joined by their fellow alumni from the classes of 1953 and 1954 for the celebration. Also marking a milestone anniversary is Eastman Community Music School’s New Horizons program. The concept originated 15 years ago under the guidance of Professor Roy Ernst. Since that time, the idea has been adopted by more than 90 organizations throughout the United States.
Also planned are tours and exhibitions, including a behind-the-scenes look at Sibley Library. The Eastman Community Music School will showcase its programs through a range of open house events. Among those is “The Smallest Musicians: Open Early Childhood Music Classes” on October 21 that offers a look inside classes offered to children ranging in age from 2 to 5 years old.
“This weekend provides the opportunity for all of us to take a step back and truly appreciate the magnitude of what is happening here,” says Paul Lanzone, assistant director for alumni relations and Eastman Weekend coordinator. “From the children in our community to the music leaders of the world, Eastman has touched and enhanced all of our lives. This institution is more than one of the best schools of music, more than a great employer, and even more than an invested member of the Rochester community. It is all of these things and so much more.”
For a complete list of events or registration information, visit www.esm.rochester.edu/eastmanweekend or call x4-1048.
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