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Andrew London and Alan Curle<\/p><\/div>\n
A recent $1 million estate commitment<\/a>\u00a0from Alan E. Curle, MD, an anesthesiologist at Highland Hospital, will establish an unrestricted scholarship at the Eastman School of Music. A deep appreciation and passion for music prompted this gift. Music has always been an important part of Curle’s life.<\/p>\n Growing up<\/strong> \u201cI was blessed to have been taught by gifted and generous musicians over all of those years, including Billy Christian, Kathy Thiel, Tony Garner, Diane Clark, and, most recently, Stephen Kennedy,\u201d says Curle.<\/p>\n Curle\u2019s father, Ray E. Curle, MD, was also an anesthesiologist whose greatest passion was music, too. \u201cAfter a hiatus of 30 years, my father returned to playing his oboe and English horn when he stopped working,\u201d adds Curle. \u201cRetirement for him has meant playing in three orchestras over almost three decades\u2014he is such an inspiration to me.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Compline at Christ Church<\/strong> \u201cI recall dashing from the operating room to a Schola rehearsal in preparation for our first recording,\u201d says Curle. \u201cThe juxtaposition between the craziness of a medical environment and the quiet of the church was profound\u2014and it was the sacred music we sang in that amazing space that facilitated a powerful transformation in me.\u201d<\/p>\n In seats and on the radio<\/strong> Instrumental and choral music from Renaissance to Baroque periods are Curle\u2019s favorites. He also enjoys larger choral works, especially music inspired by mass, including those by Bach, Brahms, Mozart, Durufl\u00e9, and Verdi. Curle and London have also enjoyed small ensemble works at Eastman\u2019s Kilbourn Hall. \u201cChamber music, in particular, is translucent,\u201d he adds. \u201cIt shimmers, and is light without being thin. It\u2019s like a conversation among friends.\u201d<\/p>\n Curle and London find music to their liking in many different venues. Recently, they attended a Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra performance of a Mozart opera. Before that, they attended a fundraiser to support the renovation of Notre Dame\u2019s organ, which they both heard played by David Higgs, professor of organ at Eastman on a visit to Paris last year, as well as a benefit concert of chamber music for Foodlink.<\/p>\n In his mother\u2019s honor<\/strong> In March of 2018, the work \u201cBeyond the Years\u201d had its premiere by the Schola Cantorum of Christ Church. Unfortunately Alan\u2019s father was unable to attend, so Curle approached his undergraduate alma mater and its choir (of which he used to be a member) to see if they would consider performing it. In April, the Rhodes College choir made it a centerpiece of their spring concert with Curle, London, his father, and family members in attendance.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a defining experience, a fabulous performance, and a beautiful tribute to my mother,\u201d says Curle. \u201cThe experience all made possible by music.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” text_align=”left” css_animation=”element_from_fade” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25″ image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1560453508866{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #c4c4c4 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”]
\nCurle grew up in Tennessee, where music played a key role in his life from an early age. He sang in the church choir and in school ensembles from the time he was in grade school through his undergraduate years at Rhodes College, and he continued while in medical school and residency.<\/p>\n
\nCurle came to Rochester in 1993 to begin his medical career. After singing in several church choirs, he discovered that the service of compline was being offered at Christ Church by the Schola Cantorum<\/a> under the direction of Stephen Kennedy. He joined that group, now an acclaimed vocal and instrumental ensemble\u00a0of the Eastman School of Music<\/a> that performs during the school year at the church. The group specializes in Gregorian chant as well as Renaissance and Baroque choral music\u2014the type of music that touches Curle to his core.<\/p>\n
\nToday, Curle\u2019s schedule doesn\u2019t allow for much rehearsal and performance time. But for him, musical transformation comes from both listening as well as performing. His car is always set to classical music and his house is often filled with the sounds of Corelli, Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, and other similar composers.<\/p>\n
\nFor nearly 20 years, Curle has supported a number of students at Eastman through the Choral Scholars program. When his mother passed away a few years ago, he commissioned an anthem from one of his early scholars, Eastman graduate Zachary Wadsworth, who is now on faculty at Williams College.<\/p>\n