A Tempo: Make Way for More Maestros, Environmental Justice, Trio Zimbalist Debut

Highlights include Yannick Nézet-Séguin's new role as head of conducting, Curtis' All-School Project, and Trio Zimbalist's acclaimed debut album

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As Curtis expands the scope of its conducting program, the school has announced that four-time GRAMMY-winner Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been promoted to head of conducting, and renowned conducting pedagogue James Ross (Conducting ’89) will become the director of orchestral studies at the top of the 2024–25 school year. 

Trio Zimbalist standing on bridgeA mini-course on music and climate justice created by chair of career studies, Mary Javian (Double Bass ’99), became a cornerstone of Curtis’ All-School Project, focusing this year on Music of the Earth. Co-taught with liberal arts faculty member Dr. Eva Swidler, the course saw Curtis partner with the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) on ecological-themed projects. Piano trios by Mieczysław Weinberg, Lera Auerbach, and Antonín Dvořák became the focus of the debut, critically acclaimed album by Trio Zimbalist, released in January 2024 on the Curtis Studio label.

From the Spring 2024 Issue

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Emad Zolfaghari Wins Top Prize at 2024 Primrose International Viola Competition

The Curtis student won 1st prize, audience prize, and an invitation to the semi-finals of the Concert Artists Guild Competition.

Teng Li (’05) Named Principal Violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The acclaimed violinist and Curtis alumna will assume a new role as the Paul Hindemith Principal Viola Chair effective September 15, 2024.

The Class of 2024

In this Spring 2024 issue of Overtones, Curtis shines a spotlight on the achievements of the school's talented Class of 2024.