Music

The editors of Solar Journal recently interviewed Professor Kurt Rohde who discussed his collaborative project with artist Marie Lorenz and writer Dana Spiotta. Their new piece, Newtown Odyssey, a floating opera on the Newtown Creek, addresses environmental catastrophe and justice.

“Songs of Dionysus, for Two Horns and Electronics,” a world premiere by graduate student in composition Aida Shirazi, will be performed by InterMusic SF grant recipient, Medius Terra Horn Duo on Sept. 19 at Central Stage in Richmond. The performance begins at 4 p.m. 

UC Davis alumna Jessica Bejarano (M.A., music, ‘08) recently was elected as a board member of the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) for a three-year term. 

Commissioned works for string quartets by Professor Kurt Rohde and lecturer and alum Christopher Castro (PhD, composition, ‘18) have been awarded grants by the Chamber Music America (CMA) Classical Commissioning program. The grants support professional U.S.-based ensembles and presenters for the creation and performance of classical contemporary chamber works by American composers.

The renowned conductor Michael Morgan has died at the age of 63 from complications arising from a kidney transplant a few short months ago. Maestro Morgan guest conducted the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra several times, the most recent of which was a concert featuring Saint-Saëns’s “Organ” Symphony in 2018. The students loved working with him. On the podium he was humorous, honest, and fun. Off the podium he was approachable and always imparting a wealth of musical knowledge and technique. The faculty of music at UC Davis already miss him greatly.

UC Davis graduate student in music Josiah Tayag Catalan, and Chris Castro (Ph.D., music, ‘18), now a UC Davis lecturer in music, are among the composers given premieres at this year’s Composers Conference.

Dark Flight by Catalan (a 2021 Fromm Foundation Fellow) can be re-watched on YouTube.

Castro’s piece, written for piano trio, is titled Clock-a-clay, and was not recorded.

Daniel Godsil (PhD, composition, ‘21) has joined the full-time faculty at Columbia College, which is located in California’s Sierra Mountains. He will be both developing and teaching music theory and musicianship, along with teaching piano, guitar, chorus, orchestra, and other ensembles.

Alum Alex Van Gils (PhD, composition ‘17) has joined the staff of Cycling ‘74, which produces the industry’s leading electronic music software—including Max/MSP. In his new role he will be a part of the materials team, teaching users—particularly at universities and other similar organizations.

Alumna Angelica Cortez (B.A., music, ‘12) has been named Interim President and CEO of El Sistema USA. El Sistema started in Venezuela as a hope for all young people to have access to music education. Its leader and the community El Sistema created was so bold and captivating it inspired musicians, artists, and activists around the world to create programs committed to exploring the intersection of music and justice.

On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 6:00 pm (Pacific Time) the ensemble Earplay will give its virtual summer gala, Gratitude, Gathering, and Music. They will present new compositions by UC Davis graduate student Josiah Tayag Catalan, Andrew Conklin, Richard Festinger, and Hyo-Shin Na. This program will be hosted by Andrew Conklin with introductions by the composers and commentary from fans and colleagues of Earplay.