WHYY Features Curtis Centennial

“We really believe that our responsibility is not to dictate what a career looks like, but train these young incredibly talented musicians to have as varied and diverse career paths as they can imagine.” —Roberto Díaz, President and CEO

To celebrate Curtis’ founding a century ago and honor the legacy of visionary philanthropist Mary Louise Curtis Bok and the impact of her leadership, Curtis is launching its milestone season today with Founder’s Weekend from October 11 to 13. WHYY News’ arts and culture reporter Peter Crimmins recently spoke with president and CEO Roberto Díaz to discuss the school’s impact on the world of classical music, as it has produced some of the most renowned musicians, innovators, and leaders of the past 100 years. The article highlights this weekend’s performances and festivities, including Curtis New Music Ensemble’s “Portrait of Gabriela Ortiz,” a tribute to one of Mexico’s foremost contemporary classical composers, currently engaged in a year-long residency here at Curtis and Carnegie Hall.

WHYY’s article covers Curtis Studio’s eagerly anticipated fifth album, A Century of New Sounds, released today, October 11, on all major streaming platforms. It explores the school’s history, the audition process, community culture, its longtime relationship with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Young Alumni Fund, and the social entrepreneurial spirit of Curtis’ alumni, who continue to carve out careers within the world of classical music, in traditional, innovative, and impactful ways, getting involved in the civic life of the communities they live and work in. 

Read the WHYY piece HERE.

Photo Credits: 1.) 1726 Locust Street in Rittenhouse Square; Emma Lee/WHYY. 2.) Curtis’ first commencement ceremony in 1934; courtesy of Curtis Archives. 3.) The cover to Curtis Studio’s fifth album, A Century of New Sounds.