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Prof. Nicola Jürgensen is a distinguished German clarinetist and Professor of Clarinet at Faculty 1 of Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany. She also serves as Dean of Faculty 1 and is a Confidential Lecturer for the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. Her career seamlessly integrates performance, education, and artistic leadership. She is the Artistic Director of WDR 3 Campus Concerts and a board member of the Folkwang University Foundation. Professor of Clarinet, Folkwang University of the Arts (2018–present) Dean, Faculty 1 Artistic Director, WDR 3 Campus Concerts Board of Directors, Folkwang University Foundation Principal Clarinet (former), WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne (2001–2018) Regular coach, German National Youth Orchestra (2020–present) Nicola Jürgensen's research and artistic interests center on clarinet performance, chamber music, and contemporary repertoire. She is deeply committed to historical performance practice, evidenced by her recordings on basset clarinet, and to expanding the global reach of classical music through international masterclasses and festivals. Her work bridges traditional European repertoire and modern experimental works, including performances in avant-garde operatic productions. She has collaborated with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide, from Berlin and Leipzig to New York, Bangkok, and Auckland. Her recent artistic output reveals a strong focus on rediscovered works (e.g., Wilms' concerto), contemporary compositions (e.g., Kancheli, Zwilich), and cross-cultural collaborations (e.g., German Masters Music Festival in Thailand). She emphasizes pedagogical innovation and performance excellence, mentoring students who now hold principal roles in Germany’s top orchestras. Her recordings and performances consistently highlight expressive depth, technical mastery, and scholarly engagement with historical instruments and arrangements. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Mozart Prize, Wiesbaden Mozart Society German Music Competition Soloists' Prize (1999) Germany Radio Promotion Prize (2002) Nicola Jürgensen has been instrumental in guiding numerous students into prestigious orchestral positions and leads the ensemble 'Folkwang Clarinets' with her students. She holds multiple leadership roles in academic and artistic institutions and continues to perform as a guest principal clarinetist with major orchestras like the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Her involvement in grants and funding appears indirect through institutional roles and festival organization. She is actively involved with several artistic initiatives, including the 'Spannungen' festival, WDR 3 Campus Concerts, and international masterclass programs. Her ensemble collaborations and educational outreach reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility in classical music.

• Clarinet Performance
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Performance
• +5 more

Lisandro Abadie is a Lecturer in historical performance practice for singing at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, where he has been employed since fall 2022. He also teaches in the Master of Advanced Studies (AVES) program and leads vocal coaching sessions. A bass-baritone performer, he collaborates with renowned ensembles like Les Arts Florissants and has worked with conductors such as William Christie and Václav Luks. His research focuses on linguistic foundations of singing, vocal pedagogy, and historical performance practices, including translations of key texts like Giulio Caccini’s writings. He is a recipient of the 2006 Edwin Fischer Memorial Prize. Education: Graduated from the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis and the Lucerne University of Music. Research & Awards: Ongoing book project on historical vibrato practices Translations and editions of early music treatises Recipient of the Edwin Fischer Memorial Prize (2006) Teaching & Masterclasses: Vocal coaching at Schola Cantorum Basiliensis Masterclasses in Thiré, Paris, Fontainebleau, Venice, and Urbino

• Historical Performance Practice
• Early Music
• Vocal Pedagogy
• +3 more

Dimitri Scarlato serves as Area Leader in Masters Programmes in Composition for Screen and Doctoral Supervisor at the Royal College of Music's Faculty of Composition. Holding a Doctorate in Composition from the RCM (2014) alongside prior studies at Guildhall School of Music & Drama (2004) and Rome's Conservatorio di Musica S.Cecilia, he maintains active roles in academic leadership and doctoral supervision while continuing professional creative work. His research spans film composition, opera, and contemporary classical music with specialized focus on screen-based media. Key interests include soundtrack production techniques, cross-cultural narrative scoring, and innovative vocal composition for modern contexts. His work integrates academic rigor with industry practice through film scores, operatic productions, and multimedia performances that bridge traditional and contemporary forms. Scarlato's recent creative output demonstrates consistent thematic development in audiovisual storytelling, with increasing sophistication in emotional resonance and cultural contextualization across film and opera formats. His projects frequently explore Italian cinematic traditions while incorporating international perspectives from collaborations at venues like Berlinale Talent Campus and Royal Opera House. 2nd Prize, Opera Harmony Digital Opera Festival (2020) for 'A Life Reset' Award for Soundtrack to Short Film 'Intolerance' (2021) RCM Rising Star Selection (2010) As Doctoral Supervisor, Scarlato guides emerging composers through rigorous academic and creative development, emphasizing practical industry integration. His professional engagements include conducting premieres of contemporary operas across Europe and high-profile collaborations such as coaching Sir Michael Caine for the film 'Youth' (2015). Current projects focus on expanding composition techniques for digital media platforms while maintaining strong connections to traditional performance venues.

• Composition for Screen
• Film Music
• Opera
• +3 more

Olga Wołkowa serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, Poland, with a career spanning over four decades in opera and concert performance. She has held positions as repetiteur at Opera Nova in Bydgoszcz since 1993 and previously served as chief repetiteur and Artistic Council member at the Donetsk Opera and Ballet Theatre (Ukraine) from 1984 to 1993. She graduated from the Kharkiv Conservatory (Ukraine) in 1978 under Professor Maria Yeshchenko's piano instruction. Wołkowa's professional expertise encompasses: Opera preparation and performance across major works including Mozart's Don Giovanni, Rossini's The Barber of Seville, and Ravel's The Child and the Spells Vocal competition accompaniment for prestigious events like the S. Moniuszko Competition and Ada Sari Competition International concert performances as both soloist and collaborator throughout Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Estonia, Italy, and Germany Her contributions include extensive radio/television recordings, preparation of harpsichord/celesta parts for operas, and accompaniment for the Festival of Music Competition Winners in Bydgoszcz.

• Opera
• Piano Performance
• Vocal Coaching
• +1 more

Andrew Foote is an Associate Professor at the Conservatorium of Music, University of Western Australia. He holds roles as Chair of the Board of Studies (Design and Creative Arts), Chair of Vocal Studies, and Academic Integrity Officer (Music). Previously served as Director of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Chorus (2019-2024) and Vocal Coach (2014-2018). Education: Doctor of Musical Arts (2020), University of Western Australia Research focuses on Schubert's Winterreise, historical performance practices in Baroque and Renaissance eras, and vocal pedagogy. Active in professional opera performances, including a Helpmann Award-winning role in Peter Grimes (2010). Specializes in German Lieder, crossover cabaret, and business leadership coaching. Recent performance projects include WA Opera's Pirates of Penzance (2025), Die Fledermaus with WASO (2025), and Beethoven's 9th Symphony (2024). Known for innovative choral direction and inter-disciplinary collaborations. Awards: UWA FABLE Teaching Award (2020), multiple student teaching accolades Leads vocal ensembles like Symphonic Chorus of UWA and Concordia Vocalis. External roles include ANCA National Councillor (2023-2024) and WA President of the Australian National Choral Association.

• Vocal Music
• Historical Performance Practice
• Lieder
• +4 more

James Henry is an Associate Professor and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), where he conducts the University Singers and Vocal Point ensembles. He also serves as Musical and Artistic Director for the Ambassadors of Harmony, a four-time BHS International Chorus Champion, and sings bass/arranges for Crossroads, BHS International Quartet Champions. His career spans performance, education, composition, and leadership. Education: Ph.D. in Music Composition, Washington University in St. Louis Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition, Southeast Missouri State University Bachelor of Music Education, Southeast Missouri State University Research Interests: Choral conducting and pedagogy Barbershop music integration into academic settings Vocal arrangement and composition Music education advocacy Collaborative ensemble training Scientific Awards: Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching NAfME 'Stand for Music' Award Multiple BHS International Chorus and Quartet Championships International Leadership Network’s 'Dare to Lead' Award Advising & Grants: Henry mentored through programs like Washington University’s composer-in-residence and Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ 'Music, Words, Opera.' He has secured grants via collaborations with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and Buder Foundation. Labs & Teams: Henry leads the Ambassadors of Harmony (120-voice men’s chorus) and Vocal Point a cappella ensemble. He collaborates with ensembles like Crossroads and Main Street for performance training and advocacy.

• Music Composition
• Choral Conducting
• Music Education
• +3 more

Donté Alexander Ford is an Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Chaplain for Worship Arts at Wheaton College, integrating his roles as a musician, minister, and scholar. He teaches courses in worship ministry, coaches chapel bands, and directs the Worship Arts Certificate program. Education : Ph.D. in Musicology (University of Arizona), M.Div, M.M. in Choral Conducting, M.S.M. in Choral Conducting (Southern Methodist University), B.A. in Music (Pennsylvania State University). His research focuses on the history and preservation of Black American concert/popular music, African American Pentecostal hymnody, and the intersection of theology and music. He contributes to academic and religious publications like The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology and History of Hymns , emphasizing cultural and spiritual narratives. Recent publications highlight trends in gospel music historiography, sacred song analysis, and African American choral traditions. His compositions and performances, such as founding the Sankofa Chorale, bridge Western and African American choral canons. Professional Affiliations : American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, Chorus America, James Abbington Church Music Academy, Society of Christian Scholarship in Music. Donté’s special performances include collaborations with the Essence of Joy, international tours as a percussionist, and roles in operas and choral workshops. His work underscores diversity in musical and theological expression.

• African American Choral Music
• Black American Composers
• Black Pentecostalism
• +4 more

Christopher Durrenberger is a Professor of Music at Wittenberg University, specializing in piano performance and music fundamentals. His distinguished career spans international performance and pedagogy, with notable contributions to Piano & Keyboard magazine. Education : Bachelor of Music from Oberlin College, Master’s and D.M.A. from University of Southern California School of Music As a performer, Durrenberger has participated in the Sarasota and Aspen Music Festivals, Cairo Opera House, and Taipei National Hall. His pedagogical work includes frequent presentations at World Piano Pedagogy Conferences and the Music Teachers National Association. He has held teaching roles at Colorado Mountain College, Irvine Valley College, and Taipei City Municipal Teachers College. Performance Highlights : National Public Radio live broadcasts, ABC World News Tonight feature, New Albany Symphony cello section (2012-13) Scientific Awards : National Endowment for the Arts residency 'Chamber Music in Rural America' Coleman Chamber Music Competition prizes Carmel Chamber Music Competition prizes Los Angeles Etude Musical Club Piano Competition prizes Young Keyboard Artists Association International Piano Competition prizes National Music Teachers Association National Piano Competition prizes Durrenberger serves as Music Director at Christ Episcopal Church (Springfield, Ohio) since 2000 and coaches young musicians at Columbus’s Chamber Music Connection in Worthington, Ohio.

• Piano Performance
• Chamber Music
• Piano Technology
• +3 more

David Schubert serves as Professor of Voice and Department Chair in the School of Music at Wittenberg University, joining the faculty in 2007. He holds a D.M.A. from the University of Oklahoma and degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College and Boston University. His educational background: Baldwin-Wallace College Boston University University of Oklahoma, D.M.A. A distinguished baritone, Schubert specializes in English art song (particularly Gerald Finzi) and German Lieder, with extensive performance experience in opera roles including Faust and Don Giovanni. His research integrates vocal pedagogy with historical performance practices, emphasizing lyric diction and art song repertoire. He actively collaborates through the Doscher Vocal Quartet and international projects focused on United Kingdom music. Honors include the competitive 1994 NATS Internship Program selection. As Department Chair, he oversees curriculum development while maintaining an active performance schedule, including premieres like David Caudill's The Shepherd's Story. His mentorship extends to vocal coaching with renowned artists including George Shirley and John Wustman.

• Vocal Performance
• Opera
• Art Song
• +3 more

Patrick Hansen is an Associate Professor at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, and currently on sabbatical leave during Fall 2024. He serves as the Artistic Director of Opera McGill and holds expertise in conducting, stage directing, vocal coaching, and artistic administration. He has been actively involved with the Association of Opera in Canada (AOC) and Opera America. His career spans over 40 years, involving over 300 opera productions across North America and Europe. Education: MMus (Piano Performance), University of Missouri at Kansas City, 1991 BMus (Piano Performance), Simpson College, 1988 Fellowship in Opera Coaching, The Juilliard School, 1991-1993 Research and Creative Work: Hansen focuses on opera production, stage direction, and vocal pedagogy. His recent productions include the Bulgarian premiere of Weill’s *Street Scene*, and stagings at venues like the Kennedy Center and Opéra de Montréal. He is known for innovative directing, such as incorporating audience spaces in *Lucretia* and dramatic lighting in *Bluebeard’s Castle*. Awards: Two-time Schulich School of Music 'Excellence in Teaching' Award McGill Award for Equity Programming Advising and Mentorship: Teaches Opera McGill courses, graduate seminars on Bel Canto and Shakespeare in Opera, and provides private vocal coaching for advanced students. His artistic mentorship extends to programs like Bel Canto in Tuscany. Labs/Teams: Leads Opera McGill, a renowned training ground for operatic artists. Collaborates with institutions like Glimmerglass Opera and Florida Grand Opera. Current projects include directing *The Barber of Seville* (2024) and *Platée* (2025).

• Conducting
• Stage Directing
• Vocal Coaching
• +2 more

W. Richard (Dick) Cantwell served as Professor of German at Carleton College from 1965 until his retirement in 1993. He initiated the department’s overseas seminar in Germany and directed Off-Campus Programs from 1979–1983. Known for his passionate teaching style, Cantwell specialized in German literature, Romanticism, and cultural history. His courses on 19th-century literature and German opera/Lied were particularly popular. Post-retirement, he taught through the Cannon Valley Elder Collegium. His academic contributions extended to theater, including roles with the Northfield Arts Guild and coaching student productions. Colleagues and students remembered him for his lively enthusiasm, such as dramatizing literary figures like Klopstock and fostering deep engagement with German culture. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, though his legacy includes impactful teaching and curriculum development. No grants or specific advising records are detailed in the text. Cantwell collaborated with theater groups and maintained interdisciplinary interests, blending literature with performing arts. A memorial service was held on November 8, 2014, honoring his contributions.

• German Literature
• Romanticism
• 19th-Century German Literature
• +4 more

Robin Humphreys is a Professor at the Royal Northern College of Music and a senior music coach within the School of Vocal Studies and Opera . He holds a BMus Hons from the University of Birmingham and a prestigious Diploma in Professional Performance (PPRNCM) from the Royal Northern College of Music. Education : BMus Hons, University of Birmingham Diploma in Professional Performance, Royal Northern College of Music Humphreys has had a 40-year career as an accompanist and répétiteur, praised as "world-class" by Louise Flind for "Opera Today". His work spans classical and operatic repertoire, with notable collaborations including the Manchester Camerata , Feelgood Theatre Productions , and Clonter Opera Theatre in Cheshire. As a vocal coach, he specializes in 1-1 coaching , excerpt preparation , and operatic repertoire performance. He served as chief répétiteur for most college opera productions from the late 1990s until 2013 and toured globally with Opera & Concert Productions (Worldwide) Ltd from 1990–2000. His affiliations include the British & International Federation of Festivals , where he was a member for 35 years, and the RNCM , where he studied piano accompaniment under David Lloyd.

• Vocal Coaching
• Opera
• Accompaniment
• +3 more

Heike Rowold is a Lecturer and Study Coach affiliated with the Jazz & Pop and Music in Education departments at ArtEZ Conservatory in Zwolle. She specializes in mindfulness, meditation, time surfing, and vocal coaching with over 35 years of experience. Additionally, she teaches at the Lichtenberg Institute for Applied Voice Physiology in Germany. Her educational background includes studies under notable figures such as Riekje Bakker, Aafje Heynis, and Cora Canne-Meijer. She has collaborated on opera productions, lieder recitals, and theater projects. Her research emphasizes the intersection of artistic practice with mindful time management, as seen in her contributions to the Studium Generale archive on time-related themes. Rowold co-curated selections from the archive’s 'TIME' series, focusing on intuitive time management and the role of 'white spaces' in creativity. Her work integrates philosophical and practical approaches to time, emphasizing calmness and intuition. Her collaborations include an interview with her son Geert Pfeiffer on grief and art, reflecting her engagement with personal and artistic narratives. She also contributed to reading lists exploring time’s philosophical and artistic dimensions.

• Music Education
• Mindfulness
• Time Surfing
• +4 more

Paul O’Dette is a Professor of Lute and Professor of Conducting & Ensembles at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester. He also serves as Director of Early Music and Affiliate Faculty in Musicology and Voice, Opera & Vocal Coaching. His expertise spans Baroque performance practices, Italian/English solo song, and Baroque opera direction. Notable achievements include Grammy wins, Echo Klassik Awards, and leadership in festivals like the Boston Early Music Festival. His recordings, such as Charpentier’s La Descente d’Orphée aux Enfers , have garnered critical acclaim. O’Dette’s research includes publications on historical performance practices and co-authoring the Dowland entry in the New Grove Dictionary. Roles: Artistic Co-Director of Boston Early Music Festival, Director of Collegium Musicum. Awards: Multiple Grammy nominations, Diapason d'Or, Echo Klassik, and Jahrespreis awards. Grants/Advising: Extensive opera productions across Europe and North America, including Cavalli’s Ercole Amante and Monteverdi’s Orfeo .

• Baroque Music
• Early Music Performance Practice
• Italian and English Solo Song
• +3 more

David Jones is the Head of Accompaniment and a Lecturer in Piano at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). He holds roles as Staff Pianist Co-ordinator, Junior RNCM Tutor, and academic supervisor. His career spans over 25 years, including a PhD on Jeffrey Lewis's music (2011) and extensive editorial work for Cathedral Press. He specializes in 19th-20th century French and British music, with a focus on accompaniment, mélodie, and opera coaching. Education: BMus (First Class Honours, University of Wales, Bangor), PGDip and MusM (RNCM). Research interests include music archiving, collaborative performance practices, and the works of overlooked composers like Jeffrey Lewis and Robin Stevens. He supervises PhD students on topics such as Arnold Cooke, Louise Farrenc, and Gabriel Pierné. Professional Activities: Pianist for Hallé Choir, founder of Altèri chamber choir, ABRSM examiner (2005-2019). Recordings: Over 10 albums featuring Lewis, Stevens, Bingham, and Williamson. Recent releases include Robin Stevens' Chasing Shadows (2023) and Blooms of Dublin (Anthony Burgess project, 2022). Current projects include archiving Jeffrey Lewis's manuscripts and preparing the Anthony Burgess Foundation's Joycean music collections. His teaching includes undergrad electives on French mélodie and 19th-century opera, alongside postgraduate accompaniment coaching.

• Music Accompaniment
• 19th Century Music
• 20th Century Music
• +3 more