Celebrate + aspire


On March 2, the College of Musics 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泭(left to right): Andrew Todd, Assistant Dean for Advancement; Justin Schwartz, 91勛圖厙 Chancellor; Leigh Holman,泭Eklund Opera Program Director;泭Paul + Kristina Eklund, naming donors of the Eklund Opera Program; and John Davis, College of Music Dean.
At the College of Musics 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.泭
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.泭
As I reflect on the first months of 2025, Im struck by the countless ways in which our students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters embody these values. In these disorienting times, Im heartened that our mission is more relevant than everas is my commitment to continue to celebrate and support our students and colleagues in their transformative work and artistic aspirations.泭
For example, I encourage you to discover how Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor of Music Education Margaret Berg is泭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 studentsNicholas Felder and Ian Gunnarschjareceived 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泭Enion Pelta-Tillera masters candidate in jazz performance and pedagogywhose ambitious, experimental approach to music brings together a wealth of coexisting influences and helped shape our new泭cross-genre ensembles and curricula. And, in case you missed it, our泭Distinguished Professor of Piano David Korevaar recently shared a delayed tribute to Beethovens semiquincentennial birthdaya labor of love and creative fortitude泭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 yearmost recently including Kennedy Center honoree and five-time Grammy Award-winner泭, and Pulitzer Prize-winning Din矇 composer, musician and sound installation artist泭Raven Chacon; as well as visiting scholars in our Musicology + Music Theory Colloquium Series and local luminaries like alumnus son of the late泭Helen Walker-Hill and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer George Walkerwho presented a master class last week as part of our annual泭Persevering Legacy events showcasing works by women composers泭including those from historically marginalized groups. Also inspiring to our community this month was a musicians workshop led by Blues icon (and Boulder resident) , 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.泭
With gratitude,泭
John Davis
Dean, College of Music