UCLA Philharmonia's Return to Live Stage After Lengthy Hiatus
UCLA Philharmonia Returns to the Stage with a Celebration of Resilience and Diversity
After a 1.5-year hiatus, the UCLA Philharmonia performed live on October 30, 2021, at The UCLA Herb Albert School of Music. The concert, a testament to music's resilience and the spirit of the faculty, staff, and students, was a celebration of discovery, innovation, and last-minute heroics in the time of COVID.
The lead trumpeter for the Dawson symphony was suddenly indisposed, necessitating a doctoral student substitute. Stepping up to the challenge was the confident and professional doctoral student, whose minimal rehearsal time did not hinder their performance.
The concert programme included an excerpt from the opera "Lo Schiavo" (The Slave) by Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Gomes, orchestral showpieces by Bartók and Debussy, and a performance of Beethoven's sparkling Piano Concerto No. 1 by second-year Master's student Brandon Zhou.
The school's departments of musicology, music, ethnomusicology, music industry, and global jazz programs collaborated through various special topics courses. One such course was taught by Professor Neal Stulberg, who focused on "Creating Inclusive Orchestra Audition Lists." The visit of Diane White-Clayton, Director of the UCLA African American Music Ensemble, during rehearsals further emphasised the school's efforts to re-center works by historically underrepresented composers.
Preparing for the live performance involved adhering to LA County COVID protocols for rehearsing and performing. Woodwinds and brass musicians rehearsed with slitted masks, bell covers, and six-foot spacing.
The UCLA Philharmonia's next performance will be on December 5, 2021. RSVP for the event to join in the continued celebration of music's resilience and the school's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
While specific details about the strategic plan of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, especially regarding the reimagining of its curricula, could not be provided, recent initiatives such as the establishment of new music scholarships in partnership with Universal Music Group reflect a commitment to supporting student development. These efforts include the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship aimed at supporting students in the Music Industry program.
For more information on trends in music school curriculum reimagining or to find official UCLA School of Music strategic documents, please let me know.
Participating in the online education offerings at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, such as the special topics course "Creating Inclusive Orchestra Audition Lists," can expand one's education-and-self-development in music and diversity. Additionally, following the UCLA Philharmonia's commitment to entertainment, one can expect upcoming performances to deliver a blend of music genres - including works by historically underrepresented composers - and engaging learning experiences for all, such as the opportunity to witness Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 live.
