Thomas Lam is a professor of mathematics at the University of Michigan , specializing in algebraic combinatorics, total positivity, and connections to mathematical physics. His work bridges cluster algebras, positive geometry, and integrable systems, with applications to scattering amplitudes in quantum field theory. Lam has collaborated extensively with physicists such as Nima Arkani-Hamed and mathematicians like Pavlo Pylyavskyy and Mark Shimozono. Key research areas: Cluster algebras, total positivity, electrical networks, positroid varieties, and quantum cohomology. Notable contributions: Defining polypositroids, proving regularity theorems for totally nonnegative flag varieties, and establishing cluster structures in braid varieties. Recent work focuses on positive geometries , including the amplituhedron and moduli spaces of points on projective lines, with implications for particle physics. His articles often explore dual graded graphs, K-theoretic Schubert calculus, and the interplay between combinatorics and algebraic structures. Lam's research has been supported by NSF grants, including DMS-0748636 and DMS-1249708 .
David Eppstein is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), affiliated with the Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences. He holds academic leadership roles as director of the Center for Algorithms and Theory of Computation and associate director of the Center for Algorithms, Combinatorics, and Optimization. His research focuses on graph algorithms, computational geometry, discrete mathematics, and geometric graph theory. Eppstein earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Stanford University (1984) and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Columbia University (1989). Research Interests: Graph drawing, information visualization, dynamic graph algorithms, mesh generation, optimal triangulation, K-shortest paths, subgraph isomorphism, data depth, exponential-time algorithms for NP-hard problems. Awards: ACM Fellow (2012), AAAS Fellow (2017), Distinguished Professor (2020), Best Paper Awards (2023, 2022), and SIAM recognition. Grants: Co-PI on a $1.2M NSF grant (2022) for geometric graph research, and previous NSF grants for algorithm studies (2016). His work bridges theoretical computer science and practical applications, including contributions to graph visualization, geometric algorithms, and combinatorial optimization. Notable recent achievements include resolving open questions in graph biplanarity and authoring the book Forbidden Configurations in Discrete Geometry (2018).
Jonathan Nangle is a Lecturer in Music Technology and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. His work spans acoustic/electro-acoustic composition, live electronics, installations, and improvisation. Educated at Trinity College Dublin under Donnacha Dennehy, Rob Canning, and later privately with Kevin Volans, his music has been performed by ensembles like RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and Crash Ensemble. Research interests include spatial music, interactive installations, and hybrid acoustic/digital forms. Notable works include Pause (Ergodos, 2017), Iridescent Cobalt Glow (2015), and our headlights blew softly... which earned a 2009 Rostrum commendation. Awards include dual Irish Rostrum representations (2009/2011) and the 2007 AIC/Music 21 Prize. Recordings span solo piano works to ensemble commissions, often integrating innovative electronic elements. His work has been broadcast internationally and choreographed for stage/film. Current roles include academic teaching and ongoing creative exploration at the intersection of technology and traditional composition.
Christopher Castro serves as an Assistant Professor of Composition at Chapman University's College of Performing Arts. A composer and double bassist from Brooklyn, New York, he combines academic rigor with avant-garde experimentation. Ph.D. in Composition and Theory from University of California, Davis Bachelor of Music from Juilliard School (Double Bass & Composition) His research bridges Western Art Music traditions with contemporary innovations , creating works that merge: Johannes Ockeghem's polyphonic complexity John Coltrane's spiritual intensity Modernist structural experimentation Historical reconstruction techniques Jazz-classical hybrid forms Interdisciplinary performance formats Recent compositions demonstrate trends in flexible instrumentation , text-music relationships , and genre synthesis . His output spans chamber works, orchestral pieces, and vocal compositions with equal mastery. Scientific recognition includes: 2023 Fromm Music Foundation Commission (Harvard University) Chamber Music America's 2021 Classical Commissioning Award As a new music advocate , Castro collaborates with ensembles like: Left Coast Chamber Ensemble (artistic advisory board) New Mexico Contemporary Ensemble Los Angeles Philharmonic's Upbeat Live series Lyris Quartet and Sharon Harms
Dr hab. Andrzej Wojciechowski is an Associate Professor at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk , affiliated with the Department II – Instrumental . As a certified violinist and postdoctoral scholar, he specializes in Polish violin music, chamber ensembles, and 20th-century compositions. Graduated with distinction from the Academy of Music in Gdańsk (1998), studying under Prof. Krystyna Jurecka Collaborates with orchestras like the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and Sopot Chamber Philharmonic Co-created concert projects with artists such as Jan Stanienda and Krzysztof Penderecki His research interests span Polish musicology, violin pedagogy, and interdisciplinary artistic education. He has edited publications with "Eufonium" and promoted Polish music through recordings like Violin Works by Roman Maciejewski (2011) and The Work of Gdańsk Composers (2015). His scientific awards include: Medal of the National Education Commission (2009) Individual Award for contributions to artistic education (2012) Honorary Medal 'For Merit to Polish Culture' (2014, 2015) Rector's Award, 3rd degree (2014, 2016) Wojciechowski has taught over 50 graduates, many of whom have won music competitions, and leads the Academic Chamber Orchestra as concertmaster and conductor. His work bridges performance, education, and preservation of Polish musical heritage.
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.
Maria Isabel Siewers De Pazur is a distinguished Professor of Guitar at Mozarteum University in Salzburg, Austria, where she has led the Guitar Department since 1989. She also maintains connections with the Department of Music Education in Innsbruck. Born in Argentina, she has established an international career as both a performer and educator, with her work deeply rooted in Latin American musical traditions while embracing contemporary classical repertoire. Her research and performance interests center on Classical Guitar Performance, Latin American Music, Chamber Music with Guitar, 20th Century Guitar Repertoire, Contemporary Classical Music, Argentine Music, and Guitar Education. Siewers has dedicated her career to expanding the guitar repertoire through commissions of new works and premieres of contemporary compositions, with a particular focus on Latin American composers. Her recordings demonstrate remarkable diversity across musical eras and styles, with special emphasis on 20th century masterpieces, Latin American repertoire, and chamber music collaborations. The trajectory of her work shows a consistent commitment to bridging traditional and contemporary forms, with increasing focus on cross-cultural musical dialogues and innovative arrangements that honor historical contexts while speaking to modern audiences. Critic's choice (Gramophone) Best record of the year (Acoustic Guitar) Latin Grammy Award 2018 in the category Classical Throughout her career, Siewers has maintained a strong commitment to education, founding the Musicampus Classical Guitar program that has nurtured over 170 guitarists from throughout Latin America. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes chamber music, community engagement through public performances, and fostering international musical exchange. She has also been involved in recording projects that serve both educational and artistic purposes, documenting important repertoire and commissioning new works that expand the guitar's expressive possibilities. Siewers maintains active collaborations with composers, orchestras, and fellow musicians worldwide, regularly performing with ensembles such as the Prague Virtuosi, Bohemian Chamber Orchestra, and various string quartets. Her work with the Musicampus program demonstrates her commitment to developing the next generation of guitarists while preserving and innovating within the classical guitar tradition.
Professor Adam Gorb is a renowned composer and academic, serving as Professor of Composition and former Head of the School of Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) from 2000 to 2023. He holds a PhD in Composition from the University of Birmingham (2013), alongside degrees from Cambridge University (BA 1980) and the Royal Academy of Music (RAM, MMus with Principal’s Prize 1993). His research and creative output focuses on orchestral, operatic, and wind ensemble composition. Notable works include operas Anya 17 (2012) and The Path to Heaven (2018), which explore themes like human trafficking and the Holocaust. His wind ensemble pieces, such as Towards Nirvana and Farewell , have won British Composer Awards and are performed globally. Awards include three British Composer Awards and a House of Commons accolade for Anya 17 . He advises PhD students in composition while maintaining international collaborations, including recent projects in Romania, Australia, and the USA. His music is frequently recorded and performed worldwide, with CDs such as 24 Preludes (2022) and Dancing in the Ghetto (2016) showcasing his diverse output. Teaching roles include undergraduate and postgraduate composition at the RNCM, alongside guest lectures at institutions globally. His current projects include commissions for the Royal Academy of Music and interdisciplinary work with Parkinson’s patients.
Miguel Chuaqui is a Chilean-American composer and Professor at the University of Utah School of Music, where he serves as Chair of the Composition Area since 2009. Born in 1964 in Berkeley, California, and raised in Santiago, Chile, he holds a PhD in Composition from the University of California at Berkeley, with academic roots in both Mathematics and Music. Education: BA in Mathematics and Music (University of California-Berkeley, 1987), MA in Music (University of California-Berkeley, 1989), PhD in Music (University of California-Berkeley, 1994) Chuaqui's creative practice spans orchestral, chamber, vocal, and electroacoustic works, with performances across the U.S. and internationally by ensembles such as Speculum Musicae, Earplay, and the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States (SEAMUS). His research emphasizes collaborations in diverse areas, including interactive dance systems with Modern Dance and therapeutic musical applications with the School of Medicine. His compositions reflect an intersection of technology and traditional instruments, often incorporating live electronics and interactive elements. Recent compositions like La Búsqueda (2024), Inseparable (2024), and Encuentro Fugaz (2024) highlight his focus on chamber works and electroacoustic innovation. He has also demonstrated a sustained commitment to solo and ensemble works, integrating Latin American cultural motifs with contemporary techniques. Scientific and Musical Awards Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters Aaron Copland Recording Grant Eisner Prize Nicola de Lorenzo Award Society for Universal Sacred Music award Induction into the National Association of Composers of Chile President’s Award from SEAMUS (2008) 2024-2025 Big 12 Faculty Fellowship As an educator, Chuaqui has taught courses including Advanced Electronic Music Composition, Senior Composition, and PhD-level Composition at the University of Utah since 2024. He hosted the 2008 SEAMUS National Conference and serves as a NASM Visiting Evaluator, maintaining leadership roles in music education and composition pedagogy.
Isabel Gabbe , University Professor of Piano & Piano Didactics at Mozarteum University Salzburg's Innsbruck Department since 2016, is a German-French pianist and music educator with extensive international experience. She heads the Music Education Department and contributes to artistic higher education through her work with the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) and the Austrian Society for Music and Medicine (ÖGFMM). Studied with Hans Leygraf and Rainer Becker Certified music physiologist Founder of "Moments Musicaux" festival in France Active in teacher training across Europe and South America Her research focuses on music education , physiological piano teaching methods , and musicians' health . Isabel integrates creative approaches to piano instruction for children, emphasizing cross-cultural communication through music. Her recent work explores alternative keyboard techniques and inclusive pedagogy. Professor Gabbe's publications analyze piano didactics, including " Alles ist erlaubt, nur nicht Alles spielen! " on practical repertoire use and " Musizieren lernen? Ein Kinderspiel! " on playful learning approaches. She contributes to Schott Verlag's "Üben&Musizieren" series and Waxmann Verlag's music education publications. Scientific recognitions include: German Music Council Artist List (2000) EPTA Austria Vice Chair (2018–present) Deutsche Tonkünstlerverband Deputy Chair (2015–2023) Richard Wagner Association Stipend (2002) Aspen Music Festival Stipend (1995,1996) Isabel Gabbe actively mentors educators through workshops and masterclasses across Europe and South America, focusing on sustainable teaching practices and physiological approaches to piano instruction. She has participated in numerous festivals and serves on academic committees for music education curricula.
Christopher D. Azzara is the Eisenhart Professor of Music Teaching & Learning at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester. He holds affiliate roles in Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media and Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion. His research focuses on creativity, improvisation, and music pedagogy. Azzara earned a B.M. from George Mason University (1981), M.M. (1988), and Ph.D. (1992) from Eastman. Previously, he taught at The Hartt School (1991–2002) before joining Eastman's faculty in 2002, later serving as Chair of Music Teaching & Learning (2010–2018). He has received prestigious awards, including the Edward Peck Curtis Award (2022) and the Eisenhart Professorship (2023). His academic work emphasizes the integration of listening, creating, improvising, and composing in music education. Key publications include Developing Musicianship through Improvisation and Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series . Azzara’s arrangements are published by GIA and Oxford University Press. He performs with the Chris Azzara Trio and collaborates with Eastman faculty and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Internationally recognized, Azzara has conducted workshops in over 20 countries, including TEDxRochester and Carnegie Hall. His engagements in 2024–2026 include teaching clinics in Germany, the U.S., and Australia, emphasizing creativity-driven music education. His research appears in journals such as the Journal of Research in Music Education and Oxford Handbooks Online . Azzara advocates for innovative teaching methods, blending academic rigor with practical performance experiences.
Matt DeChamplain serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz within The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, while also teaching at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and directing Glastonbury High School's big band. His academic credentials include: Master of Music (MM) from the University of Toledo Bachelor of Music (BM) from The Hartt School, University of Hartford Artistic Focus: DeChamplain specializes in synthesizing historical jazz traditions with contemporary expression. His creative work centers on fusing Harlem stride piano techniques with bebop and hard bop language, emphasizing rhythmic innovation and harmonic sophistication. He actively explores the continuum between early jazz pioneers like Fats Waller and modern innovators including McCoy Tyner, seeking to honor jazz heritage through original compositions and arrangements that integrate stride, swing, bebop and blues elements. His recorded output reveals an artistic trajectory from collaborative sideman work to leadership roles, consistently investigating the dialogue between historical jazz forms and modern sensibilities. Key thematic threads include reimagining jazz standards through stride-bebop synthesis and developing original compositions that bridge traditional piano techniques with contemporary ensemble concepts. Notable recognitions: Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program selection (2008) Semifinalist in Martial Solal Jazz Piano Competition (2010) DeChamplain mentors students across multiple institutions including The Hartt School, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, and Glastonbury High School where he directs the big band program. His pedagogical reach extends to summer intensives at Litchfield Jazz Camp and New Hampshire’s Jazz All State. While specific research grants aren't detailed, his active performance schedule and recording projects demonstrate sustained professional development funding. He leads Glastonbury High School's big band and performs regularly with ensembles that have shared stages with jazz legends including Hank Jones, Wynton Marsalis, and Dave Brubeck.
James Wright is a Professor in the School for Studies in Art and Culture at Carleton University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University and is a distinguished scholar and composer with a focus on music philosophy, aesthetics, film music, 20th-century music, and post-tonal theory. His research and creative work bridge academic and artistic domains, with international recognition for both scholarly publications and musical compositions. Ph.D., McGill University Dr. Wright’s research interests include music philosophy and aesthetics, music perception, film music, 20th-century music history, post-tonal analysis, dance and music, and the history of music theory. His interdisciplinary approach connects music with philosophy, literature, visual art, and cultural studies. He has published extensively on Schoenberg, Wittgenstein, and Canadian composers like Eldon Rathburn, exploring the intersections of music, identity, and modernity. His recent creative and scholarly works span books, edited volumes, and compositions. Notably, his 2022 co-edited volume Monstrosity, Identity, and Music examines music in horror and speculative media, while his 2023 string quartet Ellen at Scattergood received the 2022 Petrichor Prize. His compositions have been performed globally and recorded by ensembles such as the Gryphon Trio and Quatuor Andara. He has also composed choral works, art songs, and pieces inspired by Canadian art and social themes. Governor-General’s Gold Medal, McGill University Lewis Lockwood Award, American Musicological Society 2022 Petrichor Prize for Composition University of Toronto Louis Applebaum Distinguished Visiting Professor in Composition (2019) James Wright has hosted major academic events, including the international conference “Music and Antifascism,” and his works have been featured in CBC Music, Fanfare Magazine, and international performances. He teaches courses in Western music history and mentors emerging musicians. He is also active in community music initiatives, including collaborations with youth choirs and educational programs. Dr. Wright leads creative projects that integrate music with dance, visual art, and social commentary. His work A Gallery of Song was choreographed and performed at the National Gallery and National Arts Centre, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. He continues to compose and publish, with upcoming works such as What Angels See (2025) for cello and piano.
William Kanengiser serves as Interim Vice Dean for Classical Music and Composition and Professor of Practice at the USC Thornton School of Music, a position he has held since joining the guitar faculty in 1983. Recognized as one of America's finest classical guitarists, he has won major international competitions and Grammy awards, and is celebrated for his unique repertoire and dedication to music education and wellness. His academic background includes: Master of Music, USC School of Music, 1983 Bachelor of Music, USC School of Music, 1981 Mannes Conservatory Preparatory School, 1974-1977 Kanengiser's artistic focus encompasses classical guitar performance and repertoire expansion, ranging from Baroque and Classical arrangements to jazz-inspired compositions and world music. He is also a pioneer in musician wellness, developing and teaching a course on "Musician's Health and Wellness" at USC, and advocates for holistic education that integrates music with broader academic disciplines. His recent projects, including the Grammy-nominated "LAGQ: Latin" and Grammy-winning "LAGQ’s Guitar Heroes", as well as the 2023 album "British Invasion" with the Alexander String Quartet, demonstrate a consistent theme of innovative collaborations and narrative storytelling, bridging classical traditions with popular and global influences. His accolades include: First Prize, Concert Artists Guild International Competition (1987) First Prize, Toronto International Guitar Competition (1981) First Prize, Paris International Guitar Competition (1983) Solo Recitalist Fellowship Grant, National Endowment for the Arts (twice) INDIE Award for Best Classical Recording Grammy Nomination, Classical Crossover (2001) for "LAGQ: Latin" Grammy Award, Classical Crossover (2005) for "LAGQ’s Guitar Heroes" As an educator, Kanengiser has mentored generations of guitarists, including notable students such as Andras Csaki, Mak Grgic, and David Steinhardt. He directs the USC Guitar Orchestra and has organized tours for student ensembles like the Helios Guitar Quartet. His teaching philosophy emphasizes a supportive, family-like environment that nurtures individual potential without competition. He is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ), which has performed and recorded extensively for over three decades, and continues to be active in master classes and educational outreach programs worldwide.
Stuart MacRae is a Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's School of Music. He holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has held prestigious roles such as BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Composer-in-Association (1999–2003) and Lammermuir Festival Composer in Association (2017–2019). His research focuses on operatic word-setting, tonal harmony, and artistic responses to the Anthropocene. Education: PhD, University of Edinburgh (2014) MMus, Guildhall School of Music and Drama (1997) BMus, University of Durham (1996) His research interests include operatic composition, reimagining tonal structures, and environmental themes. Notable works include the opera Anthropocene (2019), which toured internationally and won multiple awards, and Ghost Patrol (2013), honored with the South Bank Sky Arts Award. His music has been performed by leading ensembles like the London Sinfonietta and recorded by NMC and Delphian. Recent projects include collaborations with Louise Welsh and commissions for Scottish Opera. He has been awarded the Large Scale New Work Award (2020) and Creative Scotland Bursary (2014).
