Jonathan Novak is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His research focuses on the combinatorial structure and high-dimensional behavior of multivariate special functions in random matrix theory, representation theory, and mathematical physics. He serves on the editorial board of the open-access journal Algebraic Combinatorics . Key research interests include algebraic combinatorics, special functions, and their intersections with random matrices and mathematical physics. His work explores combinatorial structures in high-dimensional spaces, asymptotic analysis of integrals, and connections between probability theory and algebraic structures. Recent publications emphasize topics like Berezin-Karpelevich integrals, quasimodular asymptotics, and topological expansions in matrix models. These studies highlight advancements in understanding complex systems through combinatorial and probabilistic lenses. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided information. His contributions extend to editorial work and advancing interdisciplinary research in algebraic combinatorics and mathematical physics.
Rodney Waschka II is a Professor and Director of Arts Studies at North Carolina State University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He also directs the Arts NOW Series, presenting contemporary arts events. His expertise spans music composition, algorithmic processes, and electronic music. Waschka's works are globally recognized, with recordings across international labels. His operas like Saint Ambrose and Sappho's Breath showcase interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent works include A Note for Joe Alexander (2024) and In Memoria di Linda Garzoli Cardosi (premiering 2025). His research explores genetic algorithms in music composition and dynamical systems as compositional tools. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts in Computer Music/Media from the University of North Texas. Awards and recognitions include features in Computer Music Journal , Musical Opinion , and international festivals. He actively commissions new works and has performed across Europe, North America, and Australia. The Arts NOW Series, under his leadership, connects contemporary art forms with academic disciplines like mathematics, politics, and climate science. Notable collaborations include the Aizuri Quartet and filmmaker projects like Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster (2022).
Laurie San Martin is a Professor of Music at the University of California, Davis, serving as department chair and undergraduate advisor for music majors with last names N-Z. She holds a PhD in Theory and Composition from Brandeis University and a B.A. in Music from UC Davis (1991). Her primary roles include teaching composition, music theory, and recital preparation, while maintaining active involvement in compositional research and performance activities. Research & Creative Work: San Martin specializes in contemporary concert music for chamber ensembles, orchestra, and chorus. Her compositions explore intersections of texture and line, often incorporating experimental techniques and cross-cultural influences. Notable works include Witches (2018), a chamber-choral piece with lyrics by Lucy Corin; Night Owls (2024), a Barlow Endowment-commissioned work for Ensemble Ari; and Elective Affinities (2013), blending Korean gayageum with string quartet. She frequently collaborates with ensembles like Earplay, Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, and Volti. Performed internationally in Europe, South America, and Asia Recipient of prestigious awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship (2016), Andrew Imbrie Award (2018), and Barlow Endowment commissions Teaching & Mentorship: As an advisor, she supports music majors while mentoring emerging composers through programs like the Pacific Chamber Orchestra's Dream American workshop. Her pedagogical focus includes fostering creativity and technical mastery in composition students. Recent Activities: In 2023, she served as guest faculty at the Cortona Sessions in Italy, where her works Octurnal , Miniatures , and Conveyer Belt Dreaming were performed. Ongoing projects include a 2025 residency at the São Paulo Contemporary Composers Festival and a new work for the Empyrean Ensemble. Awards & Recognition: Her accolades reflect her impact on contemporary music, including the League of Composers-ISCM Fellowship and ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. She has held residencies at prestigious institutions like the MacDowell Colony and Yaddo.
Marco Uvietta is an Associate Professor of Musicology and History of Music at the Department of Literature and Philosophy, University of Trento. He holds a Laurea in Music Disciplines from the DAMS of Bologna (1991) and a PhD in History and Analysis of Musical Cultures from Sapienza University of Rome (1999). His academic career includes roles as a Researcher (2005–2016) and Associate Professor (2016–present) at the University of Trento. He teaches courses on Music History and Ethnomusicology and contributes to the PhD program in European Cultures. His research focuses on two main areas: 1) Musical Philology, particularly in 19th-century Italian opera (e.g., critical editions of Verdi’s Requiem and Bellini’s La straniera), and 2) Analysis of 20th-century musical language, with significant contributions on Luciano Berio’s style and compositional processes. He has authored numerous scholarly works, including books and articles on composers like Berio, Debussy, Stravinsky, and Martucci. Uvietta is actively involved in editorial projects, such as directing critical editions for Ricordi and contributing to the Rossini Critical Edition. He holds leadership roles in academic committees, including the editorial board of Il Saggiatore Musicale . His compositional works, influenced by his analytical research, have been performed by prestigious ensembles worldwide, including the Arditti Quartet and Monteverdi Cello Octet. Notable awards include recognition in composition competitions (e.g., Guido d’Arezzo International Competition), and his works span orchestral, choral, and chamber music. Uvietta’s interdisciplinary approach bridges historical musicology with contemporary compositional practice, reflecting his dual expertise as a scholar and composer.
Niklas Sivelöv is a Professor and Subject Group Leader in Piano at The Royal Danish Academy of Music (DKDM), a position he has held since 2008. He has significantly shaped DKDM’s educational programs, including pioneering the Master’s degree in piano and upcoming programs in chamber music. A renowned pianist and composer, his career blends performance, pedagogy, and innovation. He is celebrated for bridging classical traditions with modern improvisation, exemplified by collaborations with jazz pianist Carsten Dahl. Education: Trained at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, with further studies in Helsinki, Bucharest, and London. His teaching philosophy emphasizes personal student development, focusing on tone, expression, and technical mastery for lifelong musical careers. He has led masterclasses globally, including at the Universität für Musik Wien, Yale School of Music, and Shanghai Conservatory. Research interests span classical piano repertoire (Bach to Nørgård), improvisation, and composition. His compositional works include six symphonies, five piano concertos, and chamber pieces. Key awards include the Knight of the Dannebrog (2017) and a People’s Choice Award at the Independent Music Awards (2009). He has recorded over 50 CDs, notable for 'Improvisational One' and Berwald’s symphonies on Naxos. Leadership roles include Artistic Director of Engelsbergs Festival (2007–2009) and jury memberships for international competitions. Upcoming projects include recordings of Skrjabin’s complete sonatas and a collaboration with Carsten Dahl. His work integrates pedagogy, performance, and composition, fostering both traditional and experimental musical practices.
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).
André J. Roy is an Associate Professor and Area Coordinator (Strings) at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University. He previously served as Chair of the Department of Performance. His roles include teaching viola, chamber music, and orchestral studies, alongside leading the McGill International String Quartet Academy (MISQA) as its creator, General, and Artistic Director. He graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music and held the position of 1st Assistant Solo Viola with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. Prof. Roy’s expertise spans viola performance, string quartet training, and orchestral studies. His pedagogical work has produced students in leading orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and La Scala Opera di Milano. He authored String Quartet Technique , a seminal text on quartet training, and is a sought-after guest teacher at institutions like the Colburn School and Royal Conservatory of Music. Research & Pedagogy: Specializes in viola techniques, ensemble coordination, and orchestral training. Awards: McGill’s President’s Prize for Teaching (2008), three Canada Council of the Arts awards. Global Reach: Performs and teaches across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. His chamber music training has guided quartets to international competitions, including Fischoff, Banff, and Wigmore Hall laureates. He mentors ensembles at festivals like Aldeburgh and Morningside Music Bridge.
David Conte is Professor of Composition and Chair of the Composition Department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), where he has taught since 1985. He is also affiliated with the European American Musical Alliance in Paris, where he served on the composition faculty from 2011-2022. In 2014, he was named Composer in Residence for Cappella SF, a professional chamber choir in San Francisco. His educational background includes: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Cornell University Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Cornell University Bachelor of Music (BM) from Bowling Green State University David Conte's research and creative interests focus on contemporary classical composition, particularly in the areas of opera, choral music, and chamber music. His work demonstrates a deep engagement with American musical traditions while incorporating diverse influences from European classical music. He has developed a distinctive compositional voice that bridges traditional techniques with contemporary expression, particularly evident in his vocal and choral works. Conte's approach to composition pedagogy emphasizes the importance of musical memory, keyboard skills, and deep engagement with the music one loves. Analysis of Conte's compositional output reveals a consistent focus on vocal and choral music, with significant contributions to American opera through works like 'The Gift of the Magi.' His chamber music demonstrates sophisticated understanding of instrumental capabilities across various ensembles. More recently, his orchestral works like the 'Sinfonietta for Classical Orchestra' show a refined neoclassical approach. Conte's compositions often explore literary and historical themes, reflecting his broader interests in film, history, politics, and religion. His notable awards and distinctions include: Fulbright Scholarship (1976) Ralph Vaughan Williams Fellowship (1989) Aspen Music Festival Conducting Fellowship (1984) National Association of Teachers of Singing Composition Award (2016) American Guild of Organists Distinguished Composer (2024) Raymond Brock commission from the American Choral Directors Association First Prize in the NATS Composition Competition for 'American Death Ballads' (2016) As an educator, Conte has mentored over 100 composition students since 1985 at SFCM. His teaching philosophy, heavily influenced by his studies with Nadia Boulanger, emphasizes the importance of musical memory, keyboard proficiency for composers, and gradual skill development. He has secured numerous commissions from prestigious organizations including the San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, and Dayton Symphonies, Chanticleer, and the American Guild of Organists. Conte's work has been supported by institutions like the Fulbright Program and the National Endowment for the Arts. Conte maintains active collaborations with various musical organizations, including Cappella SF where he serves as Composer in Residence. His work with librettists like Nicholas Giardini and collaborators like Todd Boekelheide demonstrates his commitment to interdisciplinary artistic projects. He continues to be an influential figure in American contemporary music through his compositions, teaching, and advocacy for new music.
James Syler serves as Assistant Professor of Practice in Composition at the University of Texas at San Antonio's College of Liberal and Fine Arts, where he has been on faculty since 2001. He also teaches composition at the University of the Incarnate Word and San Antonio College, demonstrating his deep commitment to music education across multiple institutions in the San Antonio area. Dr. Syler earned his B.M. from Northern Illinois University and M.M. from the University of Miami, with additional studies at the University of Texas at Austin. His compositional training included private studies with Alfred Reed, Karl Korte, and Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Colgrass, which significantly shaped his artistic development. Syler's compositional work spans multiple genres and styles, reflecting his eclectic approach that bridges traditional and contemporary techniques. His music demonstrates strong structural foundations, rhythmic energy, lyricism, and harmonic color, all aimed at communicating profound expressions of 'the good, the true, and the beautiful.' His compositions frequently explore historical narratives, religious themes, and American cultural identity through diverse musical lenses. His extensive body of work shows a consistent focus on choral and wind ensemble compositions, with particular attention to narrative structures and emotional expression. Many pieces incorporate multilingual texts and explore American history, spirituality, and cultural diversity, reflecting his belief that music should 'have something to say, be thought-provoking, and reflect the human experience in all its diversity.' 1993 National Band Association Composition Award for The Hound of Heaven Composer's Grant from the American Composers Forum for String Quartet No. 1 Multiple grants from the American Music Center in New York 1993 Arnald Gabriel Composition Award Subject of doctoral dissertation on his works for wind ensemble (2001) Featured in A Composer's Insight: Thoughts, Analysis, and Commentary on Contemporary Masterpieces for Wind Band (2003) As an educator, Syler has developed a comprehensive curriculum spanning composition, music theory, and historical studies. His courses include Orchestration, Composition I-III, American Roots Music, History and Styles of Rock, Masterpieces of Music, American Music & Culture, and History & Styles of Jazz. In 1998, he established Ballerbach Music, a publishing company specializing in wind band music, further extending his impact on the musical community.
David Riley is a Professor and Director of Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance since 2004. He specializes in Keyboard Performance , Piano Accompanying , and Chamber Music collaboration. Education: Doctorate (DMA) from Eastman School of Music Master's from Cleveland Institute of Music Bachelor's from Ithaca College His research and performance focus includes: Contemporary Collaborative Techniques Historical Chamber Repertoire Keyboard-Pedagogy Innovation Performance highlights: Merkin Hall with New York Philharmonic Chamber Players Carnegie Hall recitals Oregon Bach Festival collaborations International tours in Germany, Canada, and France Award recognitions: 2008 Canadian Independent Music Awards 'Favorite Classical CD' 2007 Silver Wave Film Festival 'Best Music' 2004 East Coast Music Award 'Best Classical Recording' He actively mentors graduate students in Collaborative Piano and provides graduate assistantships in studio accompanying and opera. The Eugene location offers unique access to coastal environments, hiking, and skiing alongside academic pursuits.
Julian Smiles is a Senior Lecturer in Cello at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, part of the University of Sydney. He holds prestigious roles in Australian classical music, including former Principal Cello of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and frequent guest principal with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He is a core member of the Australia Ensemble (UNSW) and co-founder of the internationally acclaimed Goldner String Quartet. His performances span soloist engagements with major orchestras, chamber music festivals, and premieres of Australian contemporary works. Ensembles: Goldner String Quartet, Australia Ensemble UNSW Performance Venues: Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Recital Centre, Townsville Civic Theatre Repertoire Focus: Classical chamber works, Australian compositions, and international contemporary pieces Research interests include chamber music interpretation, performance practice, and pedagogy rooted in his studies with Nelson Cooke and Janos Starker. He regularly collaborates with composers like Mark Isaacs and Carl Vine, premiering new works. Teaching emphasizes linking technical mastery with artistic expression through historical and contemporary repertoire. Recent performances include the 30th anniversary season of the Goldner Quartet at Sydney Conservatorium, Hyperion Records releases, and international tours to New Zealand and India. His 2024 recording Bird Spirit Dreaming explores Australian musical identity through contemporary compositions. Grants and collaborations involve Musica Viva Australia, Huntington Estate Music Festival, and the Australian World Orchestra. His pedagogical work includes masterclasses at Four Winds Festival and mentoring emerging chamber musicians. Labs/Teams: Goldner String Quartet (30-year partnership), Australia Ensemble UNSW (since 1991), Sydney Conservatorium Cello Studio.
Simon Mawhinney is a Professor in the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen's University Belfast, specializing in composition with a focus on instrumental and electronic media. His work bridges complexist music, post-spectral harmonies, and cultural cantillation influences. Notable collaborations include projects with ensembles in Germany, France, and Iceland. He holds a Queen’s University Teaching Award (2012) and has pioneered modules on Messiaen’s music. His research explores new music performance, computer-assisted composition (using OpenMusic), and experimental technologies. Current roles include PhD supervision in composition, convening MA research methods modules, and undergraduate composition instruction. Key achievements include commissions from Ensemble Caput (Iceland) and Garth Knox/Quatuor Béla, resulting in works such as Marlacoo and a viola d’amore/string quartet piece premiered in Paris (2013). Recent projects involve recordings with pianist Mary Dullea and bass flutist Kolbeinn Bjarnason. His fingerprint research areas include labour studies in composition, technical performance practices, and avant-garde instrumentation. Over 35 compositions span decades, with 2016-2019 works emphasizing electronic integration and algorithmic processes. Awards include the AIC Composition Prize (2001) and Ann Driver Trust Award (2000). Professional service roles include Elected Member of the Academic Council since 2010 and Exams Liason Officer (2009-2011). Teaching: Undergraduate modules on Messiaen, Beethoven's late works, and composition techniques Research: Focus on postwar modernism, new musical technologies, and performance-based creation Public Engagement: Active in festivals, radio interviews, and international recitals
Dr. Jack Talty is a Lecturer in Irish Traditional Music and Joint Head of the Department of Music at University College Cork (UCC), where he also directs the MA in Irish Traditional Music. He holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick, focusing on traditional music pedagogy in higher education. Talty is an acclaimed musician, composer, and producer, with over 100 albums to his name as a performer, arranger, and engineer. He founded Raelach Records in 2011 and has collaborated with major ensembles like Ensemble Ériu and Dave Flynn’s Irish Memory Orchestra. His research explores the intersection of tradition and innovation in music education and policy, with publications in Oxford University Press and contributions to national arts strategies. Talty has received prestigious awards, including the Liam O'Flynn Award (2021) and a Government of Ireland Scholarship (2013). He actively advises the Arts Council on artist remuneration and mentorship, and has curated residencies at UCC and the Irish Traditional Music Archive. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music and Irish (UCC, 2007) Bachelor of Music (UCC, 2008) MA in Music Technology (University of Limerick, 2009) PhD in Ethnomusicology (University of Limerick, 2019) Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (UCC, 2022) Research & Performance: Talty’s work bridges traditional and experimental music, evident in his solo concertina album In Flow (2016) and collaborations with composers like Úna Monaghan and Ailís Ní Ríain. He leads workshops worldwide, teaches courses on traditional music theory and industry practices at UCC, and mentors doctoral students. His performances span prestigious venues like the National Concert Hall and international festivals. Awards & Recognition: 2021 Liam O'Flynn Award 2015 TG4 Gradam Comharcheol 2013 Irish Research Council Scholarship Multiple Deis Recording Awards Grants & Leadership: Talty chairs UCC’s Music Concerts Committee and co-authored the Trad Ireland report on the traditional arts sector. He assesses funding applications for Culture Ireland and advises on national arts policies. His leadership extends to roles on boards of Glór Theatre and the National Association of Record Labels in Ireland. Labs & Collaborations: As Programme Director of UCC’s MA in Irish Traditional Music, he oversees interdisciplinary research and performance initiatives. His projects include Duala (a film-residency with Maurice Gunning) and Visioning (a 2024 film-music collaboration with Dan O’Connell).
Nimrod Guez is a Professor for Viola at the University of Music Würzburg, where he also serves as deputy speaker of the string instruments section. He holds a prominent position in both modern and historical performance practices, contributing significantly to the field of string performance education. His research and artistic interests focus on viola and violin performance, with a deep specialization in early music and historical performance practice. He is particularly active in chamber music and baroque violin, bridging classical and period performance traditions. Nimrod Guez has received recognition through prestigious awards including the first prize at the 'Aviv' competition in 2002 and a scholarship from the American-Israel Foundation. As an educator and performer, he mentors students in string performance and contributes to the academic and artistic life of the institution through ensemble leadership and performance. He has been a principal violist in major orchestras such as the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and since 2019, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He is a founding member of the early music ensemble 'L'accademia giocosa' and performs regularly at festivals across Europe, including the Utrecht Kamermuziek Festival and Lockenhaus Festival, collaborating with leading musicians such as Janine Jansen, Vilde Frang, and Nicolas Altstaedt.
Juri Seo is an Associate Professor of Music at Princeton University, where she teaches composition. She is a Korean-born American composer and pianist known for her innovative approach to contemporary classical music that bridges historical forms with modern techniques. Her educational background includes a B.A. from Yonsei University in Korea and an M.M. and D.M.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied with Reynold Tharp. Her dissertation focused on Jonathan Harvey's String Quartets (2013). Seo's research interests span Contemporary Music Composition, Counterpoint, Harmony, Just Intonation, Microtonality, Piano Composition, and the intersection of Ecology with Music. Her work explores "the continuum between timbre, harmony, and noise" while maintaining a deep connection to traditional Western classical forms. She is particularly passionate about counterpoint, which she describes as "a lost art" in contemporary composition. Her compositions demonstrate a unique synthesis of historical forms (like fugue and cantus firmus) with contemporary techniques including extended just intonation and electronics. A recurring theme in her recent work is ecology, with pieces like "Birds, Bees, Electric Fish" exploring the perceptual worlds of different organisms. She has pioneered performances with blindfolded audiences to heighten auditory awareness. Guggenheim Fellowship (2016) Goddard Lieberson Fellowship from American Academy of Arts and Letters (2013) Kate Neal Kinley Fellowship (2011) Otto Eckstein Fellowship from Tanglewood (2011) Koussevitzky Commission from the Library of Congress Copland House Residency Award Seo has received commissions from prestigious organizations including the Fromm Foundation, Barlow Endowment, Tanglewood Music Center, and the University of Illinois. She has been a composition fellow at Tanglewood, Bang on a Can, and SoundSCAPE festivals. Her debut album "Mostly Piano" was released by Innova Recordings in 2017, and her recent album "Obsolete Music" was released by New Amsterdam Records in June 2025. She leads an active creative life with numerous upcoming commissions through 2026, including works for So Percussion, the Grossman Ensemble, and the University of Illinois Percussion Studio. Her work with the JACK Quartet on pieces using extended just intonation has been particularly significant in her recent output.
