Past Speakers

Brooklyn Rider

Hailed as “the future of chamber music” (Strings), Brooklyn Rider offers eclectic repertoire in gripping performances that continue to attract legions of fans and draw rave reviews from classical, world, and rock critics alike. The quartet presented a workshop on how to design and implement recording projects, using examples such as the Brooklyn Rider Almanac and collaborative albums with Bela Fleck and Gabriel Kahane.

Joseph Conyers

Assistant Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as founder and Executive Director of Project 440, Mr. Conyers spoke about his passion and drive for musicians using their art to serve their communities as well as auditioning and being a member of a major orchestra.

Anthony Roth Costanzo

Internationally renowned countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo is a veteran performer who has appeared in opera, concert, recital, film, and on Broadway. He presented in October 2018.

Decoda

An NYC-based collective of versatile musicians, Decoda is dedicated to creating dynamic and creative programs designed for social impact. Members of Decoda demonstrated and explored alternative ways to present chamber music performances

Fifth House Ensemble

The Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble is a versatile and dynamic group praised by the New York Times for its “conviction, authority, and finesse.” The group presented a workshop how to commission new works with composer Dan Visconti and Curtis faculty member Jason Vieaux.

Clive Gillinson

The executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall discussed his recently released book, Better to Speak of It: Fostering Relationships & Results Through Creativity. The book offers first hand experiences from artists such as Joyce DiDonato, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Jessye Norman, and Michael Tilson Thomas.

Sarah Robinson

Author of the book Clubbing for Classical Musicians: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Working in Alternative Venues, Ms. Robinson led a workshop on selecting venues, programming, booking, and marketing concerts outside of the concert hall.

Matias Tarnolpolsky

Mr. Tarnolpolsky spoke with Curtis students in the 2018–19 season, shortly after his appointment as president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Stanford Thompson

Founder and Executive Director of Play On, Philly!, Stanford Thompson (Trumpet ’09) shared his experiences as a leader in El Sistema USA.

VOCES8

The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is now established as one of the world’s most versatile and best-loved singing groups. Touring extensively throughout Europe, North America and Asia, the ensemble performs a repertory from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary commissions and arrangements. The group and its members have led multiple workshop on speaking from the stage as well as how to develop educational residencies.