Staff

Celebrate + aspire

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:59:06 +0000

Celebrate + aspire Mariefaith Lane Thu, 03/13/2025 - 09:59

John Davis

On March 2, the College of Music’s talented Opera Theater Singers once again delivered outstanding performances at our Eklund Opera Program gala at the Academy University Hill. We were honored to welcome Chancellor Schwartz for the first time at this annual fundraising event that aims to sustain and support the arts in our community. Pictured above (left to right): Andrew Todd, Assistant Dean for Advancement; Justin Schwartz, CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor; Leigh Holman, Eklund Opera Program Director; Paul + Kristina Eklund, naming donors of the Eklund Opera Program; and John Davis, College of Music Dean.

At the College of Music’s recent Eklund Opera gala, Chancellor Justin Schwartz described the magic of music as a hallmark of human connection; of a civilized society; and as its own kind of renewable energy.

More broadly, in the words of Ukrainian-born writer Joseph Conrad, “All creative art is magic, is evocation of the unseen in forms persuasive, enlightening, familiar and surprising, for the edification of mankind.”

As I reflect on the first months of 2025, I’m struck by the countless ways in which our students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters embody these values. In these disorienting times, I’m heartened that our mission is more relevant than ever—as is my commitment to continue to celebrate and support our students and colleagues in their transformative work and artistic aspirations.

For example, I encourage you to discover how Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor of Music Education Margaret Berg is creating sustainability through music education, ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities. By integrating human and environmental sustainability into music education, the College of Music is preparing students to make an impact on our interconnected society. Related, two graduate students—Nicholas Felder and Ian Gunnarschja—received grants to support innovative projects that promote equity in music and wellness among neurodiverse musicians.

Creative courage and unique expression at our college are further personified by Enion Pelta-Tiller—a master’s candidate in jazz performance and pedagogy—whose ambitious, experimental approach to music brings together a wealth of coexisting influences and helped shape our new cross-genre ensembles and curricula. And, in case you missed it, our Distinguished Professor of Piano David Korevaar recently shared a delayed tribute to Beethoven’s semiquincentennial birthday—a labor of love and creative fortitude in the face of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing five years ago.

Additionally, more than 100 guest artists, ensembles and lecturers have energized our classrooms and graced our stages so far this academic year—most recently including Kennedy Center honoree and five-time Grammy Award-winner Renée Fleming, and Pulitzer Prize-winning Diné composer, musician and sound installation artist Raven Chacon; as well as visiting scholars in our Musicology + Music Theory Colloquium Series and local luminaries like alumnus Gregory Walker—son of the late Helen Walker-Hill and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer George Walker—who presented a master class last week as part of our annual Persevering Legacy events showcasing works by women composers including those from historically marginalized groups. Also inspiring to our community this month was a musicians’ workshop led by Blues icon (and �鶹ӰԺ resident) Otis Taylor, a Colorado Music Hall of Famer.

For all these reasons among many more, I remain steadfast in our resolve to inspire artistry and discovery, together.

With gratitude,

John Davis
Dean, College of Music

"At the College of Music’s recent Eklund Opera gala, Chancellor Justin Schwartz described the magic of music as a hallmark of human connection; of a civilized society; and as its own kind of renewable energy. As I reflect on the first months of 2025, I’m struck by the countless ways in which our students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters embody these values. In these disorienting times, I’m heartened that our mission is more relevant than ever—as is my commitment to continue to celebrate and support our students and colleagues in their transformative work and artistic aspirations."

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Distinguished professor shares delayed tribute to Beethoven’s semiquincentennial birthday

Mariefaith Lane — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:33:44 +0000

Distinguished professor shares delayed tribute to Beethoven’s semiquincentennial birthday Mariefaith Lane Tue, 03/04/2025 - 11:33

Adam Goldstein

Photo credit: Manfred Fuß

The timing was unfortunate for Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday celebration.

Commemorations of the fêted composer came in 2020 (scholars’ best guess at his birthday is 1770), just as the world was shutting down in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—and opportunities to experience the great artist’s music and legacy in person disappeared.

So David Korevaar, distinguished professor of piano at CU �鶹ӰԺ’s College of Music, sought alternative ways to honor Beethoven’s oeuvre in the face of lockdowns and social distancing.

“I found myself, like many of us, at something of a loss—no concerts, no in-person teaching, isolated at home,” Korevaar recalls now. “I had been thinking of filling in the gaps in Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas—there were a few that I had never played—and that inspired me to begin the process of playing through all of them and sharing ‘quick and dirty’ video recordings from home on my YouTube channel.”

Those videos (which are still available on Korevaar’s channel) were only the beginning. Korevaar found himself intrigued by the prospect of recording the complete sonatas properly and—in his role at the College of Music—he realized that he had the resources to realize that vision. With support from the college's C.W. Bixler Family Foundation Faculty Initiatives Fund, Korevaar set about doing justice to Beethoven’s timeless music.

“I talked with Kevin Harbison—the College of Music’s fantastic recording engineer—with Kawai America and with the college’s scheduling guru Brooke Balbuena to set up sessions in our gorgeous new Chamber Hall,” Korevaar says, adding that Kawai came through with a loan to the college of a 9-foot Shigeru Kawai concert grand for a year. “We recorded in a series of sessions that ended in July 2024 with all 32 sonatas completed.”

The next step was finding a way to share roughly 11 hours of music with the world. Enter Prospero Classical, a Swiss orchestral music label that offered Korevaar and his crew a thoroughly modern and multifaceted way to distribute the music. On March 7, the label will release a two-CD physical release of highlights from the sonatas followed by a series of digital-only albums of the sonatas issued chronologically.

“The two CDs will feature three sonatas from Beethoven’s ‘heroic’ period—so called because of the composition of the Eroica Symphony during this time: The Sonata Op. 53 (‘Waldstein’), Sonata Op. 54, Sonata Op. 57 (‘Appassionata’) as well as the ‘Andante favori,’ a movement originally intended to be part of the ‘Waldstein’ sonata,” Korevaar explains. “The second CD has two more sonatas, both of which Beethoven suggested be published as written for the ‘Hammerklavier,’ a German word for piano.”

All of the recorded sonatas (with the exception of Op. 106) are also up on Spotify as EPs; those are accessible here.

This approach offers a perfect way to share Beethoven’s music in the era of streaming and Spotify; it also offers a way to fulfill a musical mission that first came to Korevaar during the pandemic.

“I really wanted and, in a way, needed to do these properly,” he adds. “To record professionally, in a beautiful space, on a beautiful piano, with a first-rate engineer.”

Distinguished Professor of Piano David Korevaar found an alternative to celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday in the face of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing five years ago.

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In memoriam: Dean Emeritus Robert Fink

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 18:51:00 +0000

In memoriam: Dean Emeritus Robert Fink Mariefaith Lane Thu, 12/19/2024 - 11:51

Our College of Music community is deeply saddened by the recent passing—on Dec. 7, 2024—of Dean Emeritus Robert (Bob) Fink.

Serving as dean from 1978 to 1993, Fink’s first initiatives at CU �鶹ӰԺ included the creation of a concerts office (now CU Presents) to manage all aspects of the college’s performance and publicity activities; and the acquisition of control of Macky Auditorium and the Artist Series.

His long-serving administration also saw the establishment of our American Music Research Center and the onboarding of our quartet in residence—the world-renowned Takács Quartet, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.

We’ll be sharing much more about Fink’s inspiring impact on our college—and a celebration of his legacy—in the new year.

Robert Russell Fink obituary

Our College of Music community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dean Emeritus Robert (Bob) Fink.

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Rudy Betancourt named director of CU �鶹ӰԺ Artist Series

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:48:48 +0000

Rudy Betancourt named director of CU �鶹ӰԺ Artist Series Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/04/2024 - 08:48

Clay Bonnyman Evans

After almost 15 years at the helm of Macky Auditorium at the �鶹ӰԺ, Rudy Betancourt has also been named the new director of the College of Music’s long-running Artist Series which has brought the finest jazz, classical, world music and dance performers to town for more than eight decades.

Betancourt—a native of Venezuela and an accomplished classical guitarist—will continue to serve as director at Macky which welcomes more than 100,000 people to over 100 events every season. He says adding the beloved series to the venue’s portfolio has the potential to turn over a new page for both.

“The Artist Series has been evolving for decades with an unparalleled cultural impact,” he says. “Having the Artist Series within Macky’s portfolio helps the venue to be a presenter as much as a facility for rent.”

Betancourt says the Artist Series will continue to delight long-time patrons as it also seeks to expand and diversify its programming.

“The series will still include dance, classical music, jazz, performing arts from all over the world, as well as new genres. Keeping true to its well-established mission while feeling the cultural pulse in �鶹ӰԺ will help determine its evolution,” he says. “There will be wonderful choices for our legacy and new audiences to enjoy.”

When CU Presents Executive Director Joan Braun retired at the end of June after 30 years, it was determined that it made sense to separate the curation of the Artist Series from the operations of CU Presents. Braun and CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Music Dean John Davis recommended Betancourt to be the Artist Series director as the most natural choice.

“Rudy is an excellent, accomplished musician and he has impeccable taste and awareness of the music scene,” Braun says. “As director of Macky, he also is very aware of audience tastes and preferences, and what they respond to. He can see some different pathways and possibilities and I’m excited to see what he does with it.”

“Joan’s legacy of innovation in the arts and securing the Artist Series’ place in the hearts of its audiences is a tall order—one that I am honored to continue. I am excited to work with the College of Music’s leadership and the Artist Series Advisory Board. It is a real privilege,” Betancourt says.

Betancourt will continue to work closely with the staff at CU Presents. “The CU Presents team brings unparalleled knowledge of how to reach our audiences and cultivate our relationship with them,” he says. “Continuing and deepening this collaboration will be paramount to the success of the series.”

CU Presents will continue to work with other College of Music programs as well as with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and CU Theatre & Dance.

Tickets for the 2024-25 Artist Series are on sale now.

After almost 15 years at the helm of Macky Auditorium, Rudy Betancourt has also been named the new director of the College of Music’s long-running Artist Series which has brought the finest jazz, classical, world music and dance performers to town for more than eight decades.

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College of Music welcomes new executive director of CU Presents

Anonymous — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

College of Music welcomes new executive director of CU Presents Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/03/2024 - 00:00

Marc Shulgold + Sabine Kortals Stein

Andrew (“Metz”) Metzroth can’t contain his joy when he talks about his new job as executive director of CU Presents, effective since Aug. 5. “I’ve worked toward this for a decade—it’s truly exciting,” he enthuses. As part of the �鶹ӰԺ College of Music, CU Presents is the home of performing arts on campus annually presenting hundreds of events by CU �鶹ӰԺ students and faculty, as well as world-famous guest artists.

Overseeing CU Presents requires administrative skill, a steady hand and a cool head. Just consider the competition Metzroth had to contend with after longtime director Joan Braun retired at the end of last season.

“I’m happy that the College of Music conducted a national search,” says Metzroth. “I think there were about three dozen applicants.” But one look at his résumé and it’s not surprising that Metzroth landed the position. For starters, his years of experience in nearly every aspect of the theater—backstage, onstage, above-stage, you name it—is mind-boggling. As his local credits will attest, he’s been everywhere at CU Presents for decades. Plus, his enthusiasm is contagious.

“I’ve always had a love for the theater,” he says. As for his relationship with CU �鶹ӰԺ, he became box office manager in 2007, handling ticketing for campus performing arts events for nine years. That’s no small task, he emphasizes: “The ticketing software [Tessitura] goes incredibly deep, and takes a long time to learn and teach.” Moving further up the ladder, he became director of operations at CU Presents in 2017.

Today, Metzroth’s responsibilities entail close involvement in managing the Artist Series in Macky Auditorium and Takács Quartet concerts in Grusin Music Hall. But there are more shows to handle—a lot more. “There are some 450 on-campus events including about 350 College of Music events, 50 Theatre & Dance Department events and 50 Colorado Shakespeare Festival performances,” he explains. “I’ll be involved in strategy, ticketing, and marketing and communications for all our series, particularly College of Music events. You have to know what’s important to all of them, to know their goals.”

Not that he intends to remain invisible. “I never want this to be a desk job,” stresses the four-time CU �鶹ӰԺ alumnus. “I see myself as a community ambassador—I want to bring audiences into performing arts experiences.”

In previous years, you could usually find Metzroth behind a box office window handling ticket sales. With a laugh, he says those days may not be entirely behind him. “Yeah, I might have to work there some nights, if we’re short-staffed.”

But as long as there’s a show going on, CU Presents’ new executive director is happy. “We’re performance- and outreach-oriented,” he adds. “An example of upcoming outreach opportunities are student matinees of [Engelbert Humperdinck’s] ‘Hänsel und Gretel’ in October. We’ll be bringing in students from kindergarten through second grade. That will take some coordinating with a number of schools.”

Sounds like a lot of work for “Metz”—but it’s a good bet he’ll be as excited as all those kids when the school buses arrive.

Andrew (“Metz") Metzroth can’t contain his joy when he talks about his new job as executive director of CU Presents. “I want to bring audiences into performing arts experiences,” he says.

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Fortepiano refurb a labor of love

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Fortepiano refurb a labor of love Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/26/2024 - 00:00

Sabine Kortals Stein

Avlona Yarbrough Taylor, daughters Karen (Patrice Walsh) and Kathryn (Paul Barchilon), as well as Evelyn Taylor—sister of the late Douglas Taylor.

It was a long time coming.

Piano Technician Mark Mikkelsen—who, for more than eight years, has supported the care and maintenance of the College of Music’s fleet of 160 pianos, two harpsichords and an organ—was thrilled when the opportunity arose to rebuild, refurbish and restore one of two fortepianos donated to our college by the late Douglas Taylor and his wife, Avlona, as an in-kind gift in 2019.

The two fortepianos—one is a replica after Conrad Graf 1828 by Robert Smith, ca. 1982; the other is a replica after J. A. Stein by Richard Kingston, ca. 1982—are a tremendous boon for our college. Five years following their donation, the refurbished Smith fortepiano was performed on for the first time on April 8 by Wes Leffingwell, a doctoral student of Professor of Harpsichord Robert Hill.

Since the instrument’s donation, Mikkelsen—whose overall responsibilities include tuning, voicing, regulation, rebuilding and repair—researched the Smith fortepiano and embarked on a years-long restoration project in service to our students and faculty.

“The more I learned about the fortepiano from various sources—its history, how it was made, how it was shipped—the more I understood the instrument which inspired my problem solving,” says Mikkelsen, who was trained in piano technology at the nationally renowned North Bennet Street School in Boston, Massachusetts.

Avlona Taylor enjoying Wes Leffingwell’s performance on the refurbished fortepiano up close.

Adds Operations Manager and Head Piano Technician Ted Mulcahey, “When the Smith fortepiano arrived, it was not in playable condition. After about 120 hours of creative work—including inventing or sourcing missing parts, strings, tools and more—Mark turned it into a beautiful working instrument.”

“It was like working on a ship in a bottle,” continues Mikkelsen, who grew up playing piano. “I really enjoyed the historical and problem-solving aspects of this project … and the positive reactions of the Taylor family, Wes and our faculty really made the effort worthwhile.”

Mikkelsen’s connection to the Taylor family extends beyond this project and our College of Music. Over the years, he’s worked on Avlona Taylor’s harpsichord and he’s started tutoring her daughter, Karen, in the art of tuning.

“Mark is very generous with his time and attention,” concludes Mulcahey. “He knew this project meant a great deal to our donors, faculty and students … and he gave it his all. He cares an awful lot.”

Our tremendous gratitude to the Taylor family; to Robert Hill for his guidance throughout this project; and to the College of Music’s entire Operations team—also including Piano Technician Phil Taylor—for their tireless, behind-the-scenes commitment to keeping our college running smoothly.

Photos below: Members of the Taylor family with Leffingwell, Mulcahey, Mikkelsen, Piano Technician Phil Taylor, Professor of Piano Andrew Cooperstock—with whom Leffingwell studied as a master’s student—and friends. A new plaque adorns the newly playable fortepiano, a replica after Conrad Graf 1828 by Robert Smith, ca. 1982: “This fortepiano was generously donated by Douglas and Avlona Taylor.”

Photos: Shih-Han Chiu

It was a long time coming. Piano Technician Mark Mikkelsen—who, for more than eight years, has supported the care and maintenance of the College of Music’s fleet of 160 pianos, two harpsichords and an organ—was thrilled when the opportunity arose to rebuild, refurbish and restore one of two fortepianos donated to our college by the late Douglas Taylor and his wife, Avlona, as an in-kind gift in 2019.

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College of Music welcomes Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives Kate Cimino

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

College of Music welcomes Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives Kate Cimino Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/25/2024 - 00:00

Sabine Kortals Stein

The College of Music at the �鶹ӰԺ is thrilled to welcome Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives Kate Cimino who brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and higher education, and a long-held passion for music. Cimino started her new role on Jan. 8.

“The Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives is a key member of the dean’s cabinet,” says College of Music Dean John Davis. “I’m confident that Kate’s experience and expertise are perfectly suited to coordinate campus and unit-level initiatives, ensuring alignment and harmony between the college’s mission to develop universal musicians and the CU �鶹ӰԺ system-wide mission, vision and goals.

“Especially, I’m looking forward to relying on Kate as a thought partner in establishing and executing strategic priorities.”

Cimino’s journey in higher education administration has been both impressive and impactful. For 13 years, she served the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs as assistant director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. Simultaneously, she held the role of executive director of the Policy Fellows program, a nationally recognized professional development program bringing together mid-career leaders from business, government and nonprofit sectors. Cimino was honored with a superior civilian service award from the Minnesota Army National Guard for her work engaging its members in the Humphrey Policy Fellows program for over a decade.

Earlier in her career, Cimino worked in residence life at Creighton University. Most recently, she served for three years as executive director of the Citizens League, a nonprofit organization with a mission to engage people in nonpartisan public policy and community initiatives. Cimino also served for 10 years on the board of directors—including two years as board chair—at MacPhail Center for Music, the nation’s largest community music school.

“Even though I’m new to CU �鶹ӰԺ, coming to the College of Music feels, in a way, like coming home,” says Cimino, who’s also a bassoonist. “Music has shaped every phase of my life and the opportunity to work professionally in this capacity—to support the musicians and creative artists of the College of Music—is truly a joy.

“I’m excited to work alongside the dean and colleagues to advance the strategic and innovative efforts of the college, and to be part of the CU �鶹ӰԺ community.”

Cimino holds two master’s degrees: A Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and a Master of Arts in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University. As an undergrad at Case Western Reserve University, Cimino minored in music; in graduate school, she played bassoon with the UMKC Conservatory Orchestra.

“Music is central to what it means to be human and I’m constantly amazed by the power of music to connect people, combat isolation and express sentiments beyond words,” adds Cimino, who—originally from Buffalo, New York—now calls �鶹ӰԺ home.

Welcome, Kate!

The CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Music welcomes Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives Kate Cimino who brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and higher education, and a long-held passion for music.

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Senior House Manager Rojana Savoye named 2023 Chancellor’s Employee of the Year!

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Senior House Manager Rojana Savoye named 2023 Chancellor’s Employee of the Year! Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/09/2023 - 00:00

Sabine Kortals Stein

We’re proud and delighted that longtime Senior House Manager Rojana Savoye is one of just four recipients of the Chancellor’s 2023 Employee of the Year award!

Savoye—who manages all front-of-house operations at Macky Auditorium and within the College of Music, including Artist Series, Takács Quartet, Eklund Opera and other College of Music performances—was nominated for the award by CU Presents Executive Director Joan Braun, Operations Director Andrew Metzroth and Box Office Manager Adrienne Havelka.

“For so many people in our community, Rojana is literally the face of the college when they attend our events—of which there are hundreds each year,” says College of Music Dean John Davis. “The moment they walk in the door to one of our venues, they see her—and she sees them. Her heart is so huge, she makes sure everyone feels attended to.

“Rojana is eager, willing and quick to solve problems, and we all love working with her. She’s so deserving of this award for her important role that is sometimes overlooked. I couldn’t be happier for her.”

Agrees Braun, “Rojana is a true professional and invaluable representative for the College of Music, CU Presents and the University of Colorado. She has worked in a tough job for over 20 years, and I have total respect and gratitude for her work.

“As the senior front-of-house manager for all College of Music and CU Presents events at Macky Auditorium, Grusin Music Hall, the Music Theatre and other venues in our Imig Music Building, Rojana acts as the primary PR representative for these entities as well as the University of Colorado in general. Not only does she provide invaluable service in solving problems, she is responsible for our patrons’ safety should there be a medical emergency, fire or other life-safety event.

“Rojana consistently goes above and beyond her duties in solving patron conflicts and enforcing the university’s safety policies. And she does it in such a way that there is learning rather than animosity as a result. As warm and kind as she is, she has a backbone of steel.”

“I am beyond humbled and honored,” says Savoye. “I’m part of the best team I could imagine working with, and my work is and always has been for the greater good. Receiving this award is so meaningful to me—I can’t begin to express my gratitude for the recognition.”

According to Metzroth, “It’s an honor to work with Rojana. Her job on campus is already very specialized, but her unique approach and unflappable character put her well above any other house manager I’ve worked with.

“Rojana’s mentorship and high standards have created a roster of compassionate and proactive employees. Her leadership has not only taught them how to be good ushers, but also how to take responsibility, troubleshoot problems with independence and analyze complex problems for the betterment of all parties. Many of these ushers have gone on to careers in other arts organizations including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Colorado Symphony and more.”

Also noting that Savoye goes “above and beyond” in her role, Havelka further sheds light on Savoye’s active participation and engagement in the College of Music’s staff council: “Rojana regularly volunteers and contributes great ideas on what we can do for our staff. She is involved in almost all of our community and engagement events, and she regularly participates in extracurricular activities with both staff and faculty.

“Rojana has taken the time to get to know the staff and faculty at the College of Music and has created wonderful relationships. There isn’t one person at the College of Music who would speak poorly of Rojana. She is a woman of many talents and continually puts those to work.

“It’s staff members like Rojana who keep our department running, and her smiling face and great attitude keep people coming back to our events.”

Thank you, Rojana, and congratulations!

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 3:30-5 p.m., Savoye and her co-award winners will be honored at a reception with Chancellor DiStefano [Chancellor’s Auditorium, CU �鶹ӰԺ Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE) building].

For more than two decades, Rojana Savoye has maintained positive public relations with CU �鶹ӰԺ patrons, presenters and co-workers; managed and enforced operational policies and procedures within the College of Music; and hired, supervised and mentored student ushers.

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“A �鶹ӰԺ treasure”

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

“A �鶹ӰԺ treasure” Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/12/2023 - 00:00

Sabine Kortals Stein

Celebrating the illustrious career of CU Presents Executive Director Joan McLean Braun

�鶹ӰԺ native and CU �鶹ӰԺ alumna Joan McLean Braun (BM ’81 and MBA ’93) has achieved an extraordinary 30-year career at her alma mater, much to the delight and deep appreciation of campus and community audiences alike.

“As executive director of CU Presents since 2001, Joan took the helm when CU Presents was still CU Concerts at the College of Music,” recalls Dean John Davis. “From the beginning—back when I directed the college’s jazz studies program in the early 2000s—Joan took the time to really listen and understand the goals, needs and performance activities of the program which opened the gates for me to achieve what I envisioned.

“She extended the same can-do, open-minded approach to all academic areas in the College of Music, quickly recognizing that she needed to closely partner with our departments and studios to develop the infrastructure of a sustainable performing arts entity that also supports our academic mission.”

Since then, Braun—who further serves as the college’s assistant dean for concerts and communications—has led the expansion of CU Presents to become what it is today: The home of all performing arts on the CU �鶹ӰԺ campus with hundreds of concerts, recitals, plays and other events each year, including the popular Holiday Festival and uniquely innovative Faculty Tuesdays series, as well as the much-lauded Artists Series and Takács Quartet series, the nationally acclaimed Colorado Shakespeare Festival and more.

“Joan has done a wonderful job of building and sustaining CU Presents over its long history,” says CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor Philip DiStefano. “Her dedicated work connecting the community with all that the College of Music offers has elevated the college’s reputation and strengthened the university’s relationships with the community.

“Joan’s efforts have been deeply appreciated and have laid the foundation for future success for CU performers, scholars and artists.”

Indeed, under Braun’s artistic vision—and thanks to the collaborative relationships she’s established on campus and with other Colorado arts presenters and artists’ agents worldwide—our audiences have experienced the College of Music’s many outstanding ensembles and opera/musical theatre productions, as well as CU �鶹ӰԺ Theatre & Dance performances and groundbreaking acts by award-winning, world-renowned icons.

“The Artist Series has been and remains an extremely prestigious and important series,” says Toby Tumarkin, executive vice president and global head of artists and attractions with IMG Artists. “Under the leadership of Joan Braun, CU Presents has continued to bring new stars from around the globe while maintaining its traditional audiences, subtly and successfully adapting to a changing arts landscape.

“Consistently an anchor for artists and touring projects in the region and a crucial lynchpin to help to bring shows to the West Coast, Joan Braun’s work at CU Presents is a powerful example of important and thoughtful arts presenting.”

But Braun—who will retire at the end of the 2023-’24 season—is quick to deflect such well-earned respect and admiration. “I have the good fortune of a brilliant team,” she says, also crediting a strong, synergistic collaboration with College of Music Dean Emeritus Daniel Sher over more than two decades. “The way I see it, my role is to empower my senior team, and to ensure they understand what I’ve learned and how I do things—especially artist management and meeting the needs of our community. That’s how we can best support the next director of CU Presents.”

Among her dedicated staff are longtime colleague Laima Haley who directs CU Presents’ marketing and public relations; CU Presents’ Operations Director Andrew Metzroth who oversees Tessitura ticketing operations; Senior House Manager Rojana Savoye; and Macky Auditorium Director Rudy Betancourt. “�鶹ӰԺ’s cultural scene would not have achieved its world-class reputation without Joan’s vision for what is possible, steadfast leadership and resilience in the face of challenges,” says Betancourt. “She has been a trusted mentor and a dear friend not only to me but to many at CU Presents, the College of Music and—closer to my heart—Macky Auditorium.

"Her service to the university and the surrounding area has become an unmatched legacy.”

And it’s precisely Braun’s remarkable legacy that inspires our invitation for donations to the Artist Series endowment in her honor, with the goal of reaching $1 million this season.

“I’m so gratified knowing that the endowment ensures and protects the Artist Series and the overall health of CU Presents—long after I’m retired and into the future,” says Braun. “In the arts, we’re quite vulnerable to events beyond our control—like the recent pandemic or the floods in 2013 when, understandably, a lot fewer people were able to come to our performances.

“For myriad reasons, when earned revenues fall short, the endowment provides crucial funding—hopefully in perpetuity.”

“Managing a performing arts venue is an affair of the heart and mind. On one hand are the myriad logistics: Contracts, communications, transportation, finances. On the other: Human connection, the gift of beauty and meaning. At best, these all play together in a poetic rhythm, organic and natural, to create a unity that seems like it was inevitable. But it only happens when someone has the vision to see the whole in all of its parts. For the Artist Series and CU Presents, that person is Joan who for 30 years has brought us together for encounters with beauty and meaning through music and dance. She is truly a �鶹ӰԺ treasure.”
_{—Daryl James, Artist Series Advisory Board member + former chair}

“A �鶹ӰԺ treasure”—We’re celebrating the inspiring, illustrious career of longtime CU Presents Executive Director Joan McLean Braun who will retire at the end of this academic year.

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Anonymous — Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Key change Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/10/2023 - 00:00

John Davis

Friends,

As the 2022-’23 academic year culminates in commencement this week and I reflect on the last couple years since I became dean of the College of Music in January 2021, it’s fair to say that we’ve witnessed and experienced a sea change—or, in musical terms, a key change.

We’ve come out of the COVID-19 pandemic only to be thrust into an increasingly complex global environment that’s characterized in part by deepening societal divisions, accelerating climate change and the as-yet unknown consequences of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.

What I do know is that our mission matters more than ever. Because what we do as musicians requires not only skill, but humanity—that is, the simultaneous conveyance of emotion, connection and understanding.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you our newly revamped annual digital magazine. Colorado Music takes stock of how far we’ve come through the success stories of our engaged, inspiring students, including Izzy Fincher—our Outstanding Graduating Senior who’s earned a BM in classical guitar performance, a BA in journalism, a business minor, as well as a Music Entrepreneurship Certificate and a Music Theory Certificate. In Colorado Music, we also highlight the impact of our trailblazing alumni, including our 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Ashraf Sewailam; and the influence of our accomplished, dedicated faculty, including Professor of Musicology Rebecca Maloy who was named Distinguished Professor for her research, dedication to teaching and service to her profession.

Colorado Music further brings to light a few examples of how our college is leading the way with innovative research and new curricula; and spotlights some of the transformative professional experiences we offer our students, including the return of “CU at Boettcher” and a robust roster of inspiring guest artists throughout the year.

Finally, we pay tribute to University Medal recipient Allan McMurray who retired from the College of Music in 2013 after a 35-year career directing our bands, developing our master’s and doctoral programs in instrumental conducting, and so much more; and Willie Hill—a College of Music alumnus and former professor—who was honored at the university’s 93rd Annual Alumni Awards ceremony. We also tip our hats to our community of supporters, including Margot and Christopher Brauchli whom we gratefully recognize as our 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipients. And we fondly remember the faculty, alumni, colleagues and friends who have recently passed on, including our dearly held, highly esteemed Associate Professor of Violin Charles “Chas” Wetherbee who died in January.

As we venture forward and look to the next academic year, we must acknowledge a pressing priority facing the arts and society alike, namely the critical need to recognize and embrace our unique differences. We must remain vigilant and exemplary in celebrating our differences rather than allowing them to divide us. Because in music, we understand that diversity can serve as a meeting place for fostering unity and collaboration.

As the late Harry Belafonte put it, “Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization’s anchor. We are the compass for humanity’s conscience.”

That’s a noble call to action and a responsibility I take seriously.

Enjoy your summer,

John S. Davis
Dean, College of Music

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis offers reflections and a vision for the future as he shares highlights from our newly revamped annual digital magazine—Colorado Music. “...our mission matters more than ever. Because what we do as musicians requires not only skill, but humanity—that is, the simultaneous conveyance of emotion, connection and understanding. Colorado Music takes stock of how far we’ve come.”

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