a tempo summer2008
Beluska honored with Ellis Island medal for bridging continents, lives
For the violinist and political refugee from Romania, life in the U.S. was a whole new world.
Now Beluska, music performance studies, is being honored for helping other musicians from Eastern Europe come to the U.S. and develop their own careers. Both in the U.S. and Europe, countless students and others have benefited from his generosity, service and talents.
With his family at his side, Beluska received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor on May 10, on that small outcropping in New York Harbor that symbolizes the journey and the arrival of so many seeking freedom and a chance to make something of their lives.
Chorale and community members sing at Lucerne 2008
Arts named a center of excellence at BGSU
Bowling Green State University has named the arts as the first of its “centers of excellence,” a move approved by the Board of Trustees Wednesday, June 25.
The choice was self-evident, officials said, based on the University’s having strong, collaborative programs in visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, theatre and film that prepare students for careers. The arts also have an impact beyond BGSU: A 2007 study by the Center for Regional Development showed that the arts and arts-led industries contribute more than $2 billion per year to northwest Ohio.
The state’s 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education calls for universities to identify areas of excellence, saying these areas “should serve as an organizing system for the best or unique programs on one campus, whenever possible be multidisciplinary and demonstrate contribution to the economy of the region and state.”
Philharmonia turns 90
The Bowling Green Philharmonia (the university orchestra) celebrated its 90th birthday Sunday, April 20, and had plenty of company on stage to help. The concert featured the combined forces of the Philharmonia and the Toledo Symphony. Also featured on the program was the University Choral Society, under the direction of Mark Munson performing Antonin Dvorak’s Te Deum Laudamus with soloists Cat Randall, master’s candidate, and Kelly Anderson.
Trio wins second place in Boston
A graduate trio from the college took second place recently at the International Chamber Music Ensemble Competition in Boston.
The PVC Trio consists of soprano Sara Emerson from Traverse City, Mich.; clarinetist Spencer Prewitt from Braymer, Mo., and pianist Laure Vermuelin from France. Emerson earned her master’s degree in music performance from BGSU in May; Prewitt and Vermuelin are also majoring in music performance.
Vance George presented McMaster endowed professorship
The college hosted a visit from world-renowned choral conductor Vance George in March. The Helen McMaster Endowed Professor in Voice and Choral Studies, George rehearsed with University Choral Society and presented an open lecture/demonstration titled “Choral Colors.”
George graduated from Goshen College and Indiana University. Highly regarded as a teacher of conducting, he has presented numerous lectures, workshops and clinics at University of Wisconsin, Indiana University, Eastman School of Music, the San Francisco Conservatory, Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music, Kent State University and the University of California at Berkeley.
During his 23 years with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, the group was hailed as one of the finest in the world. On their behalf he accepted two Grammy awards for Best Performance of a Choral Work. TV and film credits include an Emmy for Sweeney Todd in 2002 and soundtracks for Amadeus, The Unbearable Lightness of Being and Godfather III.
Patayanikorn wins fourth place in international saxophone competition
Graduate saxophonist Sean Patayanikorn from Edmonton, Alberta, won fourth place in the Second International Jean-Marie Londeix Saxophone Competition in Thailand in January 2008. Patayanikorn studies with Distinguished Artist Professor John Sampen.