UCLA Philharmonia Resumes Real-Life Concerts After Long Hiatus
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music hosted a memorable concert on October 30, 2021, marking the ensemble's return to live performances after a break of more than 1.5 years. The evening was a celebration of discovery, innovation, doubt, persistence, improvisation, and last-minute heroics.
Brandon Zhou, a second-year Master's student and the 2019 Atwater Kent Concerto Competition winner, took centre stage to perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1. The performance also featured orchestral showpieces by Bartók and Debussy.
The concert was a testament to the resilience of the school's faculty, staff, and students, who overcame challenges with unusual rehearsal setups, variable coaching, and support from staff. The lead trumpeter for the Dawson symphony was suddenly indisposed, necessitating a substitute who stepped in with confidence and professionalism, saving the evening despite minimal rehearsal time.
The event also offered a sneak peek into changes at The Herb Alpert School of Music. Professor Neal Stulberg's special topics course, "Creating Inclusive Orchestra Audition Lists," promoted collaboration among the school's departments. The school is focusing on re-centering works by historically underrepresented composers, a move that reflects a broader commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural contributions in music education.
Diane White-Clayton, Director of the UCLA African American Music Ensemble, visited the Philharmonia during rehearsals, leading to a celebration of the genre of the spiritual, including a sing-through of "Hallelujah."
The school's strategic plan, led by Inaugural Dean Eileen Strempel, aims to "reimagine curricula." While the full strategic plan is yet to be detailed publicly, it appears that the school is actively partnering with major industry players like Universal Music Group to establish initiatives such as the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship, which supports high-potential students and honours the legacy of influential Black music figures.
The next performance by the UCLA Philharmonia will take place on December 5, 2021. RSVP for the event to witness another night of music, resilience, and innovation at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
- The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, through its strategic plan, is not only focusing on re-centering works by historically underrepresented composers, but also actively partnering with industry giants like Universal Music Group for initiatives like the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship, showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion in both education-and-self-development and music.
- Alongside dedicated faculty, staff, and students who have demonstrated remarkable resilience during live performance preparations, the school is also emphasizing entertainment through online-education platforms, as Professor Neal Stulberg's special topics course, "Creating Inclusive Orchestra Audition Lists," promotes collaboration among the school's departments, fostering learning opportunities for students in entertainment and self-development.
