CLU Music Programs & Events

Ensemble Amarcord

Comprised of five former choristers of the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir in Leipzig, Ensemble Amarcord has emerged in the past few years as continental Europes finest mens a cappella quintet. The blend of humor, charm, elegance, flawless intonation, rarely heard homogeneity and unwavering vocal virtuosity have left audiences delighted since the ensembles debut in 1992.

Jim Connolly

Jim Connolly, musician extraordinaire, performed at the Halloween night opening of CLUs light sculptures exhibit. The lush soundscapes he produced and the range of instruments he has mastered — solo bass, handsaw, bibberbox, bullroarer, percussion, bells and whistles — amazed all. His voice is ethereal, and his virtuosity places him in a group of contemporary composers who are breaking the boundaries of their field.

Steven Stucky

Composer Steven Stucky, recipient of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize in Music and Los Angeles Philharmonic Consulting Composer for New Music, discussed and conducted his chamber music with CLU faculty musicians. Works include "Ad Parnassum," "Meditation and Dance," "Album Leaves," "Three Little variations for David," "Partita-Pastorale" and "Cradle Songs."

Gloria Cheng

Fifth annual new music concert Guest artist Gloria Cheng, widely recognized as one of todays foremost interpreters of contemporary music, performed the solo piano music of Steven Stucky.

Henry Price

Tenor Master Class

Henry Price is Professor of Music at Pepperdine University where he directs the opera program and teaches voice. Read more about Henry Price.

Byron J. Smith

Gospel Master Class with CLU Choir

Byron J. Smith is a native of Los Angeles and is an associate professor of music at Los Angeles Harbor College where he specializes in commercial music, teaching music industry courses, piano and voice.

Robert Hobby, Organist

with CLU Choral Ensembles

Known for his creative hymn festivals, organist/composer Robert Hobby was joined by members of the CLU choral ensembles and student instrumentalists in April 2005 for a "Mostly Scandinavian Hymn Festival."

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Third annual new music concert

Mr. Salonen was in attendance in February of 2005 to discuss his music with the audience. Maestro Salonen, conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is recognized as an accomplished composer as well as conductor. He received an honorary degree at CLU's Commencement Ceremony in May 2003.

Gloria Cheng

Third annual new music concert

Guest artist Gloria Cheng, widely recognized as one of today's foremost interpreters of contemporary music, performed the U.S. premiere of Salonen's new compositions for piano!

The Academic Female Voice Choir Lyran (Finland)

Kari Turunen, Conductor

The Academic Female Voice Choir Lyran, established in 1946, is the only female voice choir at the University of Helsinki. "Lyran" aims to promote and inspire the female choral tradition in Finland. The choir has approximately 50 active members, mainly students from different universities and colleges in Helsinki. For more information on "Lyran" visit their website: www.lyran-rf.com

Frederica von Stade

Mezzo-soprano

Recognized as one of the most beloved musical figures of our time, Frederica von Stade's career has taken her to the stages of the world's great opera houses. She has also appeared in concert with the world's leading orchestras and conductors.

Jake Heggie

Composer

Recognized as one of the most beloved musical figures of our time, Frederica von Stade's career has taken her to the stages of the world's great opera houses. She has also appeared in concert with the world's leading orchestras and conductors.

Jeff Kaiser

13 Themes for a Triskaidekaphobic

Ventura resident Jeff Kaiser is a composer, trumpet player and conductor whose music has been performed around the world. In addition to composing, he is well known in creative music circles as a trumpet player performing with many ensembles including The Los Angeles Trumpet Quartet and the Kreative Orchestra of Los Angeles as well as his own ensemble, The Jeff Kaiser Ockodektet.

Ross King

Brunelleschi's Dome and Michelangelo's Ceiling

As a precursoe to the Festival of New Music "Architectural Boundries" to be held in April, British author Ross King will discuss his best-selling nonfiction work Brunelleschi's Dome as well as his new book, Michelangelo's Ceiling.

Jessica Rivera

Soprano Master Class

Hailed as a shining soprano whose voice possesses shimmering clarity, Jessica Rivera has been lauded by the Los Angeles Times for being "highly accomplished, fully equipped and most promising." Ms. Rivera has performed with some of America's finest operatic and orchestral organizations including Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Opera Santa Barbara.

Henry Brant

Architectural Boundries

Guest composer Henry Brant, winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize in Music, is featured in the main concert of the Festival of New Music. The concert included performances by the CLU Choir and Symphony. Works performed included Brant's Antiphony l, Dufay's Nuper Rosarum Flores and a new work by CLU music professor Mark Spraggins.

Amy Knoles

Artists and Speakers Series

Amy Knoles is a musician who has headlined major festivals throughout the world and is the recipient of many international music awards. Her music has been described as being of frightening beauty, fascinating, complex; and her performances are said to redefine "New Music."

Martin Jean

Organ

As a winner of two of the most prestigious organ competitions in the world, he has performed extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Korea, and Europe. In 1996 Jean was awarded first prize at the International Grand Prix de Chartres competition held bi-annually at Chartres Cathedralin France.

Christopher Cock

Tenor Master Class

A specialist in the music of J.S. Bach, Christopher Cock will lead a master class focusing on Barouque music and, in particular, the vocal music of J.S. Bach. CLU music students will benefit from Dr. Cock's unique artistry and communication skills as they perform and recieve instruction onstage.

Henry Brant

Architectural Boundries

Guest composer Henry Brant, winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize in Music, is featured in the main concert of the Festival of New Music. The concert included performances by the CLU Choir and Symphony. Works performed included Brant's Antiphony l, Dufay's Nuper Rosarum Flores and a new work by CLU music professor Mark Spraggins.

Mark Swed

Distinguished Speakers Series

Mark Swed has been chief music critic of the Los Angeles Times since 1996. He was music critic of the Los Angeles Herald Examiner from 1984 to 1987 and a music critic for the Wall Street Journal from 1988 to 1996. He has also written about music for the New York Times, The New Yorker, Musical America and Opera News among many other national and international publications, as well as contributing liner notes for recordings, program notes for concerts and catalog essays for the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.