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Opera UCF students praised by Denyce Graves

June 15, 2018
Five opera students had the opportunity to participate in a private master class with Denyce Graves in front of a small audience at Snap! Space on June 10. “The morning consisted of a Q&A with [opera star Denyce] Graves, followed by arias from five of the students with the Washington native giving notes on their…

UCF welcomes Yoon Joo Hwang as new bassoon professor

May 23, 2018
The School of Performing Arts is proud to welcome to the faculty Dr. Yoon Joo Hwang, Assistant Professor of Bassoon. Recently, Dr. Hwang held teaching positions at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and Idyllwild Summer Arts Academy in California. In addition, she has taught several courses at the University of…

UCF flute faculty member Nora Lee García recitalist at Carnegie Hall

May 8, 2018
On April 28, 2018, UCF flute faculty member Dr. Nora Lee García played at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York. The concert, called “All that Jazz,” culminates the 5th Season of the InterHarmony Concert Series at Carnegie Hall. Dr. Garcia played music from Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos the Jet Whistle for flute and…

How a Song Provided Comfort after Hurricane Maria

May 3, 2018
Arleen Ramirez doesn’t think the word “busy” applies to her. But just try to keep up. Ramirez is a family-first wife and mother of four, ranging in age from 3 to 19. She is a studio artist at Opera Orlando, mentors aspiring musical artists on Skype, and writes and performs her own music — including…

UCF welcomes David Bjella as new Cello Professor

March 20, 2018
The Music Department is thrilled to announce that David Bjella will be joining the faculty as Professor of Cello this fall. Bjella was previously Professor of Cello at Stetson University for more than 20 years. A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, cellist David Bjella has an extensive, multi-faceted career as a teacher, chamber musician, orchestral…

Student choruses promote social justice at UCF Celebrates the Arts 2018

March 15, 2018
The UCF Women’s Chorus, Men’s Ensemble, University Chorus, and Chamber Singers will treat guests to music with a message at UCF Celebrates the Arts 2018. Their concert, entitled “Journey to Justice (Singing the Journey),” addresses social inequalities, prejudice, and discrimination, but also hopefulness and the potential for change. The performance is on Sunday, April 8…

4th UCF Celebrates the Arts to Feature Tributes to Bernstein, President Hitt

February 6, 2018
UCF Celebrates the Arts–eight days of music, performances and visual displays–returns April 6-14 for a fourth year. The university’s annual showcase of student and faculty presentations at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando will open with a tribute to American composer, conductor and educator Leonard Bernstein and close with a concert…