Associate Teaching Professor Luke Anthony Abruzzo is affiliated with the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University , where he teaches music theory, composition, arranging, and guitar. Holding a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Pittsburgh, he combines academia with an active freelance career as a guitarist and composer. Education: B.A. in Music, University of Pittsburgh (1996) M.M. in Jazz Studies, Rutgers University (1998) His research focuses on Jazz Studies , Music Composition , and Arranging , with nationally recognized works performed at jazz festivals and conferences. Recent projects include commissioned pieces for Drexel University ensembles. Scientific recognition includes: National acknowledgment for jazz big-band arrangements and original compositions Affiliated with the College Music Society, National Association of Music Education, and Society of Composers, he bridges academic rigor with practical artistry.
Evgenya Abelyuk serves as Associate Professor at the School of Philological Studies within HSE University's Faculty of Humanities. She concurrently holds the positions of Chief Expert at the Centre for Digital Archival Studies and Programme Head for Contemporary Philology in Russian Language and Literature Instruction at Secondary Schools. Having joined HSE University in 2010, she maintains active roles in research, teaching, and academic leadership. Her educational background includes: 1975: Philological Degree from Lomonosov Moscow State University 1999-2001: Qualification Improvement in Philological Text Analysis (MIROS) 2005: Modern Text Analysis Methods (NIIRO) 2012: Work with Gifted Children (Moscow State University) 2015: Professional Internship in France (French Embassy Program) 2018-2021: Multiple advanced training programs in literary research and Russian language pedagogy Professor Abelyuk's research centers on philology , Russian literature (particularly Soviet-era works), and theater studies with specialized focus on Taganka Theater. Her work explores mythological language in art , digital commentary systems , and historical contexts of literary production. She pioneered the Digital Universal Commentary project, creating visual annotations for Soviet-era literary texts. Her recent publications (2020-2025) reveal three dominant trajectories: Bulgakov studies examining socio-political dimensions of his work; Taganka Theater analysis focusing on Yuri Lyubimov's directorial legacy; and digital humanities innovations in literary commentary. These intersect with her educational mission through textbooks and teacher training materials. Her scientific recognition includes: Best Teacher Award (2025) Best Teacher Award (2021-2022) Best Teacher Award (2017) Best Teacher Award (2013-2015) Professor Abelyuk supervises master's theses in philology while developing educational programs like the "Mentor's Seminar" and "Research Seminar on Reading Practices." Her grant work centers on digital projects including the Visual Commentary initiative and distance learning methodologies. She leads collaborative efforts through the Centre for Digital Archival Studies and maintains active partnerships with Taganka Theater researchers and international philological conferences.
Stewart Smith is a Senior Lecturer at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), part of Edith Cowan University. He leads the Centre for Keyboard Heritage and Performance Research and serves as assistant organist at St George's Cathedral in Perth. Previously, he held leadership positions as head of department and Dean of Music at WAAPA, but has returned to focus on teaching and research. Master of Music, Royal Academy of Music and London University Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, TAFE WA (2006) Smith's research spans historical musicology, early music, performance practice, improvisation, and historical keyboard instruments, with particular focus on Baroque repertoire and English music from 1700-1850. His work uniquely bridges scholarly research with practical performance, exploring how historical understanding informs contemporary interpretation. He has developed significant expertise in reception history, examining how musical works have been understood and performed across different eras. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent exploration of performance authenticity, particularly regarding Baroque practices. His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary approaches, connecting musicology with cultural studies, instrument history, and cross-cultural influences. The research shows particular strength in keyboard performance traditions and their evolution. Solo harpsichord recital for ABC's Sunday Live voted one of the year's best broadcasts Five-CD set of French Baroque music on ABC Classics label received international acclaim Smith has secured substantial research funding, including a major Australian Research Council grant for French Baroque research and recent significant grants from the Feilman Foundation ($350,000) and Wright Burt Foundation ($100,000) for keyboard instrument restoration. He actively supervises 5 current PhD students and has guided numerous completed research projects across musicology, performance practice, and historical instruments. As director of the Centre for Keyboard Heritage and Performance Research, he oversees projects focused on historical keyboard instruments and their performance contexts, including the restoration of a 1786 Kirkman harpsichord. Smith maintains an international performance profile, with recent work including Celtic Baroque interpretations, experimental Vivaldi performances, and Ligeti's Volumina. His performance career spans collaborations with major ensembles including the Orchestra of the Antipodes, Pinchgut Opera, and all Australian state symphony orchestras, alongside international appearances at prestigious venues including Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
Dr. Ulrich Bartels is a full-time research associate at the Institute for Music and Musicology, University of Hildesheim, affiliated with the Faculty of Cultural Studies and Aesthetic Communication. He has been associated with the university since 1993 (initially as a lecturer, transitioning to research associate in 2005) and previously taught at the University of Göttingen (2005–2008). His doctorate (1991, University of Göttingen) focused on Wagner's compositional sketches for Tristan und Isolde . Bartels' research centers on historical musicology, editorial philology, and musical interpretation, with emphasis on: Johann Sebastian Bach (critical editions of keyboard works) Ludwig van Beethoven (performance analysis) Richard Wagner (sketch studies, dramaturgy) Piano music and editorial practices His publications include critical editions of Bach's keyboard works (e.g., Italienisches Konzert , French Suites) and extensive scholarly reviews. Bartels' recent reviews (2020–2025) predominantly analyze classical music editions, Wagnerian scholarship, and Beethoven performance, reflecting his expertise in 19th-century repertoire, urtext practices, and music criticism.
Marta Marchetti is an Associate Professor at the Department of Modern Literature and Culture, Sapienza University of Rome, specializing in Theatre Studies and European Literature. Her research explores intersections between narrative forms and performance practices across historical periods. Teaches courses on Modern and Contemporary Theatre, European Theatre, and Dramaturgy Coordinates classroom activities in Building CU003 Research focuses on historiographical methodologies, performance analysis, and cultural transitions from the 20th to 21st centuries. She examines intermedial relationships between novels and theatrical productions, with particular attention to Italian and European contexts. Her recent publications address topics including: Anna Magnani's theatrical legacy, Tim Etchells' immersive performances, and Cold War cultural fronts in European theatre. She also investigates screen-to-stage translations and sensory dynamics in theatrical spectacles.
Prof. Camilla Miglio is a full-time Professor of German Literature at the Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies , Sapienza University of Rome. She specializes in 20th-century German poetry, translation studies, and intercultural geopoetics. PhD in German Literature from Pisa (1996), focusing on Paul Celan Key research areas: Literary Geography, German-Italian Cultural Dialogue, Jewish-German Literature, and Poetics of Translation Her work interrogates the interplay between nature, memory, and poetic form in German literature from the 18th to 21st centuries. Recent projects include Europe as a Space of Translation (EACEA 2007-2013) and the ongoing PRIN A Physical Geography of German-speaking Literature (2023-2025). Scientific Awards include: Ladislao-Mittner-Preis (2005) Bundesverdienstkreuz (2010) Corresponding Member, Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei (2023) She leads seminars on German elegy, nature poetry, and intercultural translation , with guest collaborations from poets like Jan Wagner and scholars from Leipzig University. Classes held in Lab 4, Marco Polo Building, Rome.
Prof. Dr. Osman Gökhan Antalya serves as Professor at Yeditepe University Faculty of Law, specializing in Civil Law with over 40 years of academic experience. Previously, he held progressive faculty positions at Marmara University from Assistant Professor (1992) to full Professor (2003) within the Department of Private Law. His educational foundation includes a PhD in Private Law from Istanbul University (1985-1991) with thesis on comparative sales law, Master's in Public Law from Ankara University (1983-1985), and undergraduate law degree from Istanbul University (1975-1979). PhD: Istanbul University, Institute of Social Sciences, Private Law (1991) Master's: Ankara University, Institute of Social Sciences, Public Law (1985) Undergraduate: Istanbul University, Faculty of Law (1979) Professor Antalya's research spans foundational civil law domains with evolving contemporary applications. His seminal work focuses on Property Law (including digital assets and land registry systems), Inheritance Law, Contract Law (particularly standard terms and transparency), and Tort Law (notably moral damages methodology). Recent scholarship demonstrates methodological rigor in judicial decision-making and constitutional rights application, reflecting continuous adaptation to legal developments in Turkish civil jurisprudence. His publication trends reveal a consistent trajectory from classical civil law treatises toward modern challenges like digital property rights and judicial methodology, while maintaining deep engagement with Turkish Civil Code applications. The recurring emphasis on legal principles and systematic methodology across decades underscores his doctrinal approach to civil law scholarship. As academic service, he currently serves on editorial boards of Legal Hukuk Dergisi (since 2008), Marmara University Law Journal (since 2008), and Gazi University Law Journal (since 2008), contributing to scholarly discourse through peer review and publication guidance. Editorial Board: Legal Hukuk Dergisi (2008-present) Editorial Board: Marmara University Law Journal (2008-present) Editorial Board: Gazi University Law Journal (2008-present) Editorial Board: Atatürk University Law Journal (2008-present) Professor Antalya has supervised 22 Master's theses and 14 doctoral dissertations covering diverse civil law topics from property rights to consumer protection. His administrative leadership includes serving as Dean of Marmara University Faculty of Law (2006) and Director of Research Application Center (2000), demonstrating institutional commitment beyond scholarly work.
AHMET BURAK BASMACIOĞLU is a Professor at Anadolu University State Conservatory's Music Department since 2023. He has held academic positions at the same institution since 1992, including Associate Professor (2010-2023) and Lecturer (1992-2010). His work focuses on early music performance , keyboard pedagogy , and hermeneutics in historical performance . 1992: Hacettepe University undergraduate 1994-1996: Postgraduate at Anadolu University 1996-2003: Master's and PhD in Piano at Anadolu University 1998-2006: Specialization in Early Music at Strasbourg Conservatory His research areas include historically informed performance , baroque keyboard , and basso continuo . He has supervised 6 theses on topics like Bach adaptations and ornamentation systems. His recent publications analyze French Baroque ornaments (2022) and microtonal keyboards (2023), while his conference work explores hermeneutics in early music . As an active performer, he has led harpsichord and organ recitals since 1992, including collaborations with Istanbul Symphony Orchestra (2024) and Ankara Music Festival (2024). He also contributes to academic journals as Special Issue Editor for the International Journal of New Trends in Arts, Sports & Science Education (2022-2024).
Assoc. Prof. Ruba Pekdemir Peker is a Turkish pianist and music scholar affiliated with Anadolu University's State Conservatory since 2017, where she currently holds the position of Associate Professor (since 2025). She completed her undergraduate (2009-2013), postgraduate (2013-2017), and artistic competence (2015-2021) degrees at Anadolu University's Fine Arts Institute in Piano Art. 2025-Present: Associate Professor, Anadolu University State Conservatory 2023-2025: Assistant Professor, Anadolu University 2013-2017: Part-time Lecturer, Anadolu University 2013-2015: Part-time Lecturer, Uludag University State Conservatory Her research focuses on piano repertoire analysis, cross-cultural musical connections, and interdisciplinary art studies. She has published extensively on Beethoven's sonatas, Bartók's comparative analyses, and Schoenberg-Kandinsky interactions, with works appearing in Scopus-indexed and peer-reviewed journals. 2024: 'Beethoven Piano Sonata Op.111 Structural Analysis' 2024: 'Interdisciplinary Interactions: Schoenberg and Kandinsky' 2024: 'Bartók's Turkish-Hungarian Musical Similarities' 2025: 'Chopin's Technical and Interpretative Contributions' Ruba received the Makale Performans Ödülü in 2024 for academic excellence. She has performed as soloist with major Turkish orchestras including the Anadolu University Youth Symphony Orchestra (2013), Eskişehir Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (2014), and Anadolu University Symphony Orchestra (2025). Her performance history includes numerous piano recitals and chamber music concerts across Turkey from 2017-2025.
Süleyman Karaahmet is an Assistant Professor at Anadolu University's State Conservatory, Department of Performing Arts. He holds a Competence in Art degree (2023) and a Master's in Theatre Arts (2018) from the same institution. Education 2019-2023: Competence in Art, Department of Performing Arts 2016-2018: Master's in Theatre Arts 1999-2003: Bachelor's in Performing Arts His research focuses on Traditional Turkish Theatre , Stanislavski System , and Cinema/Television Acting . His published works explore physical actions in acting, storytelling traditions, and director-actor dynamics in Turkish theatre. Recent articles analyze Levni miniatures in Ottoman theatre, improvisation in traditional performance, and modern adaptations of Chekhov's plays. Awards include the XXIV Direkler Arası Seyirci Ödülleri (2024). He also serves as a dramaturg, director, and actor in professional productions.
Richard Scott Cohen serves as Chair of the Department of Humanities and Professor of Music at Ferris State University's College of Arts, Sciences and Education. As Director of Instrumental Concert Ensembles, he leads multiple bands and orchestras while teaching music appreciation. Doctor of Music (DM), Northwestern University Master of Music (MM), Northwestern University Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Illinois Bachelor of Science (BS), University of Illinois His research focuses on conducting pedagogy , international wind music traditions , and community band movements , particularly examining Valencia's musical evolution over 30 years. He explores cultural integration through music and academic leadership dynamics . Publications and presentations highlight his expertise in Valencian band culture , musicology , and conducting methodologies . He has delivered lectures on Spain's symphonic traditions and presented at major conferences like the International Wind Music Conference and College Band Directors National Association. Fulbright Scholar recognition 2012 Northern Lights Award for the Arts As a Phi Beta Kappa graduate, he maintains active roles as conductor, trombonist, and lecturer across North America, Europe, and Asia, while collaborating with local charities through music programs.
Emmanuelle Valette is a Lecturer in the Department of History at Paris 7 University and a permanent researcher at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS) . Her work bridges cultural anthropology and classical studies, focusing on Roman reading practices, bilingualism, and literary pragmatics. She has edited multiple scholarly works and published extensively on topics like Roman orality, epistolarity, and material culture. Research Interests : Cultural anthropology of the Roman world Bilingualism and linguistic practices Grammar, rhetoric, and literary culture Material culture and body practices Recent Publications explore themes such as: Roman epistolarity and health Comparative methods in classical studies Warfare rituals and divine communication Performance, clothing, and identity
Philip L. Copeland is a Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Samford University’s School of the Arts, Division of Music, Vocal and Choral. He has held this position for 14 years and also serves as conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus and director of the choir at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Education: BM, University of Mississippi MM, Mississippi College DMA, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Copeland’s research and professional work centers on choral conducting, a cappella choir performance, and technology integration in music education. His choirs have achieved international acclaim, winning awards in eight competitions and performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and conferences of the American Choral Directors Association and National Collegiate Choral Organization. Scientific Awards: Florilège Vocal de Tours (2014, 2012) Ave Verum Choral Competition (2014) ŠIAULIAI CANTAT International Choir Festival (2016) Three Grand Prix awards in Laurea Mundi Budapest (2018) Prix du chef de choeur, Florilège Vocal de Tours (2014) Gold Medalist and Category Winner at the 2001 Choral Olympics in Bremen
Carolyn Beck is a Lecturer in Music at Pomona College since 2002, specializing in bassoon performance and pedagogy. She serves as principal bassoonist with the Redlands and San Bernardino Symphonies and performs baroque bassoon with period instrument groups in the Los Angeles area. Her expertise spans chamber music, new music techniques, and historical performance practices. Education: D.M.A. from Manhattan School of Music, M.M. from Yale University School of Music, B.A. (cum laude) from California State University, Northridge Recent highlights include solo performances with the Pomona College Orchestra, North/South Consonance in New York City, and the Redlands Symphony Orchestra. She has contributed to recordings such as Beck and Call (2005) and Notes from the Kelp (2007). Beck co-hosted the 2013 International Double Reed Society conference and maintains affiliations with the University of Redlands and Idyllwild Arts Academy. Contact: Pomona College, 333 N. College Way, Claremont, CA 91711 | Phone: (909) 621-8000
Jamie V. Ryan is a Professor of Percussion in the Music Department at Eastern Illinois University, where he teaches Percussion Ensemble, Applied Percussion, and Class Instruction in Percussion. Based in the Doudna Fine Arts Center, he maintains an active performance career with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Heartland Festival Orchestra, and as co-founder of the Africa->West Percussion Trio. Education: Bachelor of Music (magna cum laude), 1998, Lawrence University Master of Music (2002), Doctorate of Musical Arts (ABD), University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Focus: Professor Ryan specializes in the Music of Cuba and Brazil , Mixed Chamber Music , and the Intersection of Music and Culture . His work explores the fusion of African diasporic traditions with Western classical forms through original compositions and cross-cultural collaborations, particularly evident in his Africa->West Percussion Trio projects that bridge Ghanaian gyil techniques with contemporary ensemble practices. Creative Output: His discography (2002-2017) reveals a consistent trajectory of cultural synthesis, blending traditional African instrumentation with modern percussion techniques across eight major recordings. These works demonstrate evolving expertise in percussion ensemble composition while maintaining core engagement with Afro-Caribbean rhythms and diasporic musical narratives. Ensemble Leadership: As co-founder of the Africa->West Percussion Trio (in residence at Baldwin-Wallace University) and member of the Galaxy Percussion Group, Ryan directs significant collaborative projects. He also performs extensively with Sun Stereo, Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, Timbalú (salsa), Los Guapos (cumbia), and jazz ensembles led by Derrick Cordoba and Chip McNeill, showcasing remarkable versatility across rock, Latin, and avant-garde genres.
