Oberlin in the News
Faculty Member David Lang Spoofs New Music in (Untitled) Score
November 03, 2009
Oberlin's Distinguished Visiting Professor of Composition and Composer in Residence David Lang "clearly has a healthy sense of humor," writes the New York Times. Lang's score for (Untitled), a new film satirizing the contemporary art world, employs a heavy artillery of novel sounds: "dropping chains into a bucket and kicking it, shredding paper, popping bubble wrap and smashing wine glasses." In addition to composing this fiercely avant garde repertoire for the film's fictional New Sound Ensemble, Lang also wrote the more "musically substantial" portions of the score. For all it pokes fun at the contemporary art world, the Times writes, (Untitled) "is ultimately on the side of experimental music and art and their champions, no matter how eccentric. For that alone this brave little movie deserves an audience."
Learn MoreOberlin Concert by Jennifer Koh ’97 Was "Sensitive and Bold," Says Plain Dealer
November 03, 2009
Jennifer Koh ’97 received acclaim from audiences and critics alike for her October 29 concert on Oberlin's Artist Recital Series. "Koh's program was a daring and intelligent thematic menu played with uncommon taste, flair and expressive acuity," writes Donald Rosenberg, music critic for the Plain Dealer. Her playing was "sensitive and bold," with "tonal suavity, clarity of texture and nuanced phrasing." The evening also marked the world premiere of a new video by Tal Rosner, created to be viewed in time to Koh's live performance of Esa-Pekka Salonen's Lachen verlernt. "The score surely can stand on its own, but the green and black dancing lines, nightscapes and sparks that accompany the violin add beguiling images to the narrative," Rosenberg writes.
Learn MoreOberlin Conservatory and Viola Professor Peter Slowik Praised in Strad Article
October 29, 2009
A feature in the November 2009 issue of The Strad praised Professor of Viola Peter Slowik for his work with the summer program Credo, held annually on the Oberlin campus. "Oberlin College Conservatory, home to the festival, is no run-of-the-mill institution," observes writer Heather Kurzbauer, noting the college's progressive history as "a trendsetter in the early 19th century. In the new millennium," she continues, "a college famed for its combination of academic study and high-level music offers outstanding facilities and moral support for Credo’s mission." Slowik, "a man of limitless enthusiasm and purpose," personifies Credo's dual purpose of musical excellence and faith-based community service. "While many an esteemed pedagogue spends the summer months jetting off to masterclasses around the globe, Slowik gets down to the nitty-gritty of teaching in his own backyard," writes Kurzbauer. "Refuting the very notion that teaching can be tedious, Slowik infuses his lessons with the powerful dynamics of give and take." Excerpt only available online; subscription required to view full article.
Learn MoreMusical America Honors Composer Christopher Rouse ’71 and Pacifica players Sibbi Bernhardsson ’95 and Simin Ganatra ’95
October 29, 2009
Musical America has honored three Obies in its 2009 awards for excellence, announced recently. Composer Christopher Rouse ’71 was named Composer of the Year, and the Pacifica Quaratet—which features violinists Sibbi Bernhardsson ’95 and Simin Ganatra ’95—was dubbed Ensemble of the Year. In a profile for the magazine, critic Paul Horsley says of Rouse, "Few composers have written as skillfully and movingly for orchestra as he, and few have ranged as widely in scope." Responding to fellow composer John Adams' oft-quoted accolade that Rouse is "one of few whose music will last," Horsley writes, "there is little reason to doubt that assessment." In her feature on the Pacifica Quartet, Heidi Waleson calls the ensemble "a model 21st-century string quartet" that "combines technical prowess with great expressivity."
Learn MoreSullivan Fortner ’08 Earns New York Times Rave for Gig at Jazz at Lincoln Center
October 29, 2009
Just a year and half out of school, Sullivan Fortner ’09 is "a name unknown around New York, though maybe not for long," according to critic Ben Ratliff. In a recent review of the young pianist's appearance with mallets player Stefon Harris's quintet Blackout at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ratliff praised Fortner's creative contributions. At one point, Fortner led the band in an improvised introduction; at another, he strummed a blues progression on the piano strings. The band, writes Ratliff, is "developing its own identity from the inside out."
Learn MoreAllison Vulgamore ’80 Appointed as Chief Executive of Philadelphia Orchestra
October 08, 2009
The Philadelphia Orchestra announced last month that Oberlin alumna Allison Vulgamore ’80 will be the orchestra's new chief executive. Vulgamore, who boasts a 17 year tenure as president of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, told the New York Times about her commitment to providing the elite orchestra with a new business model, fiscal stability, and better infrastructure. Her tenure in Philadelphia will begin on February 3, 2010.
Learn MoreOberlin Sophomore John Rot to Participate in Iron Composer Competition
October 08, 2009
The third annual Iron Composer competition on Friday, October 2, featured Oberlin Conservatory sophomore John Rot as the youngest contestant. The competition, which gives composers 5 hours to write, rehearse, and perform original works based on a “secret ingredient,” seeks to popularize new music concerts and encourage composers to expand their creative palette. Rot was the youngest contestant to be selected as a finalist. In an interview with the Plain Dealer, he said, “My goal is to not let that matter too much. They’re going to write what they’re going to write, and I’m going to write what I’m going to write.”
Learn MoreJennifer Koh ’97 Receives Glowing New York Times Review for Bach Recital
October 08, 2009
Jennifer Koh ‘97 kicked off Columbia University’s Lunchtime Concert Series on September 28th with a performance of Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor that had New York Times critic Anthony Tommasini singing her praises. The informal concert, showcasing a single chamber work in a lunchtime performance on the Columbia campus, was one of six concerts Koh will perform—one for each of the Bach sonatas and partitas. Tommasini commended Koh for her “gutsy” and “deeply expressive” playing, and applauded her for “dispatching the challenges with such security that you did not notice the sheer virtuosity at work.” Koh will appear at Oberlin on October 29th as part of the Artist Recital Series.
Learn MoreNew Work by TIMARA Professor Peter Swendsen Featured in the Plain Dealer
September 08, 2009
A new work by Professor of Computer Music and Digital Arts Peter Swendsen, Valence, was previewed in the Plain Dealer in advance of its premiere by GroundWorks DanceTheater. A collaboration with GroundWorks Artistic Associate Amy Miller, Swendsen's work pairs his field recordings with the live sounds made by dancers. GroundWorks is Northeast Ohio’s premier dance company, recently voted “One of 25 to Watch” by Dance magazine.
Learn MoreRecital by Jeremy Denk ’90 Earns a Rave from the New York Times
August 30, 2009
A recital by pianist Jeremy Denk ’90 at the Highline Ballroom earned kudos from New York Times critic Allan Kozinn. The program presented music by Bach, Ives, Liszt, and Chopin in a venue more commonly home to indie rock than classical piano. The reviewer called Denk's interpretations "explosive," "poetic," and "passionate." Denk returns to Oberlin on February 10, 2010 for a recital with violinist Joshua Bell as part of the Artist Recital Series.
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