Commencement: Curtis Celebrates the Class of 2026
“When we’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to be surrounded by so much talent. What I’ll miss the most are the incredible people I met here. Not only the teachers and guest artists who pushed us to the next level, but the unwavering support from the entire community. I learned so much just watching my peers, and I can’t wait to see everything you accomplish.” —Nikan Ingabire Kanate (Opera ’26)
Kanate’s opening remarks helped set the stage for a meaningful day at Curtis: the spring 2026 commencement ceremony. Held at the historic Field Concert Hall on Saturday, May 16, Curtis awarded 39 graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Facilitated by President and CEO Roberto Díaz (Viola ’84), the ceremony also featured special addresses by graduating student Ben Price (Oboe ’26) and alumnus Alan Gilbert (Conducting ’92), who received Curtis’ Lifetime Achievement Award—as well as performances on Curtis’ new organ by Alan Morrison (Organ ’91, Accompanying ’93).
“I’m leaving Curtis with more questions than answers—and I’m grateful my experience here was evocative enough to inspire more questions. Most of all, I’ll miss the magic of a great idea and not enough time, knowing the beginning and the end and getting to discover the middle, and being in a position to believe in others as they believe in me.” —Ben Price (Oboe ’26)
After faculty presented students with special awards and prizes, followed by their diplomas, Amanda Majeski (Opera ’09), pedagogical advisor for voice and opera, offered Curtis’ new alumni words of affirmation and support:
“As artists, we are always students, which means we take the good stuff with us. Curtis is not, nor has it ever been, a few buildings in Rittenhouse Square. Curtis is what lingers with you as you forge your own definitions of artistic and personal success and fulfillment. Curtis is the friendships that remain and deepen as time passes. Curtis is in your leadership, humility, and collaboration.
So, create fearlessly, be brave, and trust yourself and your work. You are not alone. The life force of Curtis is: All of us have got you. The support is unconditional.”
2026 AWARDS AND PRIZES
Joan Hutton Landis Award for Excellence in Academics
Alexander Erlich-Herzog, clarinet
Edward Aldwell Award for Excellence in Music Studies
Ben Price, oboe
Provost’s Award for Achievement in Career Studies
Joan Herget, cello
Provost’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship
Dasara Beta, trumpet
Milka Violin Artist Prize
Dindin Jingyi Wang, violin
Angelo Sylvestro Festorazzi Scholarship
Nikan Ingabire Kanate, opera
Mehlin Prize
Delvan Lin, piano and Nachuan Tao, piano
Hunter, Johnson, and Vernon Woodwind Prize
Anastasia Samsel, flute and Xiaoxi Annie Li, flute
Charles Miller Prize: The Sergei Rachmaninoff Award
Lynn Ye, piano
Schwarz Foundation Prize in Composition
Amane Sakaguchi, composition
The Presser Scholar Award
Ben Price, oboe
Commencement photography by Tracie Van Auken.
