Belma Alić serves as Associate Professor at the Department of String Instruments and Guitar, Academy of Music, University of Sarajevo, specializing in cello performance and contemporary techniques. Education: Diploma (2004) and Postgraduate Studies (2007) under Prof. Yevgeny Xaviereff at Sarajevo Music Academy Doctorate (2016) on "New Techniques in Cello Literature of the 20th and 21st Centuries" Research Focus: Innovations in string instrument pedagogy, 20th/21st century cello repertoire, and interdisciplinary chamber music practices, informed by extensive performance experience with international ensembles. Scientific Awards: International Val Tidone Competition First Prize (2001) Tidone Folk Category Special Recognition (2010) Martina Franca String Seminar Performance Award (2010) Her career includes collaborations with the Medici String Quartet, Manhattan String Quartet, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and performances with Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra. She mentors students within the Academy's concert season and festival programs including May Music Festivities and Sarajevo International Guitar Festival.
Tristan Cornut serves as a Professor of violoncello (cello) performance. While the specific academic institution remains unspecified in the provided text, his professional identity centers on advanced string instrument instruction. His primary expertise spans: Music Performance Cello Technique Classical Music Repertoire Contact is facilitated through mobile communication: +49 (0)176 800 59652, though no institutional email address appears in the source material.
Biljana Radovanović Brkanović serves as a Professor in the Department for Conducting at the Faculty of Music, University of Belgrade, with over 25 years of uninterrupted artistic and teaching career. She conducts diverse ensembles including choirs (Collegium Musicum, Obilić), ensembles (The Ensemble for New Music), and orchestras (Belgrade Philharmonics, RTS Symphonic Orchestra, Camerata Serbica), performing at major Serbian festivals such as BEMUS, International Review of Composers, and Cello Fest. Her research and artistic focus centers on Conducting with specialization in Contemporary Music and Serbian Music interpretation. She actively promotes contemporary Serbian compositions through dedicated performances and recordings, founding ensembles like ARTE and the New Music Ensemble to achieve exceptional musical results recognized by both experts and the public. Her international scope spans over 20 countries including Greece, Poland, USA, and China, with film music recordings for Universal and Warner Brothers. Scientific Awards No scientific awards mentioned in the provided text Advising and Grants No information on students or academic advising provided No grant funding details mentioned Labs and Teams Founder of ARTE ensemble Founder of the New Music Ensemble Conductor for Collegium Musicum choir Conductor for Obilić choir Conductor for Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra
Prof. Burcu Evren Yazici is a renowned Turkish violist, educator, and academic at Anadolu University State Conservatory since 2004. Her career spans performing arts, chamber music, orchestral repertoire, and curriculum development. She has held leadership roles such as Head of Department and Farabi Program Coordinator, and organized numerous events including Şatoda Müzik and Contemporary Arts Museum concert series. PhD in Music (Viola) from Florida State University (2005) Master of Music in Viola from Florida State University (2000) Bachelor of Music in Viola from Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory (1994) Her research focuses on viola performance techniques , chamber music pedagogy, and orchestral repertoire analysis. She has published extensively on these topics and contributed to curriculum reforms in Turkish conservatories. Her recent articles explore Alban Berg's operatic viola parts, chamber music preparation methods, and historical analysis of viola concertos. Selected for her scientific awards , she received the Best Presentation Award at the 2016 International Conference on Social Sciences, Literature, Economics, and Education, and first prize at the 2002 Pan-Am Chamber Music Competition. She has also secured scholarships for academic excellence throughout her career. As an advisor, she has supervised 13 thesis projects at postgraduate and competence levels, guiding students like Zeynep Duru Sertoğlu (Hochschule Hamburg) and Nehir Akansu (Liszt Academy). Her artistic activities include performing at prestigious festivals such as the 45th Istanbul Music Festival and collaborating with world-class musicians like Tatjana Masurenko.
Prof. Emel Asuman Önen is an Associate Professor at the Music Department of Anadolu University State Conservatory since 1991. She teaches cello, chamber music, and instrumental pedagogy, and founded the Yunus Emre Quartet in 1997 to promote string music performance. Undergraduate: Hacettepe University State Conservatory (1980-1991) Postgraduate: Anadolu University Institute of Science and Technology (1992-1993) Proficiency in Arts: Anadolu University Institute of Fine Arts (2005-2008) Her research focuses on Music Education , particularly the role of chamber music in instrumental training, and the Performance of Turkish Composers' Cello Works . She has contributed to pedagogical materials and curriculum design for cello education. The articles she authored analyze the technical and interpretive aspects of cello repertoire, emphasizing Turkish compositions and pedagogical strategies. Key subfields include sonata analysis, collaborative performance, and curriculum development. She supervised a postgraduate thesis in 2023 and led a funded project (2016-2017) on cello repertoire quality in higher education. Her artistic activities include over 30 concerts (2003-2023) in Turkey and abroad, specializing in classical and contemporary chamber music.
David Rose is an Associate Professor in Music Performance (Viola) at Fredonia, where he serves as Head of Strings. He holds an M.A. from Indiana University and studied viola at the University of British Columbia and Indiana University under renowned teachers Gerald Stanick, Atar Arad, and Stanley Ritchie. His performance credentials include titled positions with the Vancouver Symphony (Associate Principal), Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (Principal Viola), San Francisco Symphony (Acting Assistant Principal), and current role as Principal Violist of Toronto's G27 chamber orchestra. As a baroque specialist, he has performed with Pacific Baroque Orchestra and Tafelmusik. Research focuses on J.S. Bach's repertoire, including an upcoming recording project of all Bach Cello Suites and Sonatas/Partitas selections, plus development of an etude book for string pedagogy. Teaching encompasses viola technique, chamber/orchestral repertoire, and Bach interpretation. Summer teaching includes the Rocky Ridge Young Artists Seminar (Colorado) and Fredonia Summer String Festival. Recent performances feature collaborations with Ekstasis Duo at Merkin Hall (2020) and Huntington Library (2020).
Jason Hoogerhyde is an Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Southwestern University's Sarofim School of Fine Arts, where he has taught since 2004. He previously served as Chair of the Music Department from 2010-2015 and taught for five years at Lawrence University's Conservatory of Music. Dr. Hoogerhyde earned his D.M.A. in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, an M.M. in Composition from Boston University, and a B.M. in Theory and Composition from Lawrence University. His principal composition teachers included Allen Gimbel, Joyce Mekeel, Lukas Foss, Allen Sapp, Samuel Adler, Darrell Handel, and Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon. Hoogerhyde's compositional work explores the more elusive elements of human experience: the dark corners of memory, life's defining ephemeral moments, and glimpses of our integral connection with the world. His music spans orchestral works, opera, chamber ensembles, and vocal compositions that have been performed internationally across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His compositions often investigate the intersection between visual art and music, most notably in his opera The Color of Dissonance which examines the relationship between Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, and Arnold Schönberg. His recent compositions demonstrate a continued exploration of contemporary classical forms with works like Revolve/Retract (2019) for percussion with choreography, and multiple performances of The Don Juan Project . His output shows consistent development across chamber music, vocal works, and larger orchestral compositions, with particular strength in creating evocative textures and emotional depth. Excellence in Teaching Award from University of Cincinnati Nominations from Austin Critics' Table Awards for 'The Color of Dissonance' (outstanding original composition) Nominations from Austin Critics' Table Awards for 'Lament' (outstanding symphonic performance) Hoogerhyde has mentored numerous students including Brayden Carr '23, whose composition was performed at the Valencia International Performing Arts Festival in Spain. He has served as classical music critic for the Cincinnati Enquirer and has been artist-in-residence at prestigious institutions including the Ucross Foundation and Dorland Mountain Arts Colony. His work continues to be performed internationally, reflecting his significant contribution to contemporary American composition.
Elisabeth Grain serves as a Lecturer for performance, audition & competition coaching at the Institute for Coaching & Career, Mozarteum University Salzburg. She uniquely combines expertise as a cellist, physiotherapist, and mental coach in her specialized Musicians' Health program. Her educational background includes concert cello and IGP cello studies at Mozarteum University Salzburg, Amsterdam Conservatory, and Sibelius Academy Helsinki. She also completed physiotherapy training in Brussels and Salzburg, along with mental coaching certification. Performance coaching techniques Stage anxiety management strategies Physiotherapeutic approaches for musicians Ergonomic solutions for instrumentalists Hand rehabilitation methodologies As an active orchestral musician, Grain has performed with prestigious ensembles including Helsinki Radio Symphony Orchestra, Lapland Chamber Orchestra, Mozarteum Orchestra, and Camerata Salzburg. Her professional work since 2017 as both a physiotherapist and performing musician builds on her 25+ years of experience addressing musicians' health issues since 1996.
Eric Kim serves as Professor of Cello at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music since the 2009-10 academic year, following a 20-year tenure as Principal Cellist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (1989-2009) and prior principal positions with the San Diego and Denver symphonies. Bachelor of Music, The Juilliard School, 1986 Master of Music, The Juilliard School, 1987 His artistic career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performance across five continents, with expertise in classical cello repertoire and collaborative music-making. Teaching focuses on technical mastery and interpretive depth for orchestral musicians, emphasizing performance practice in Western classical traditions. Kim maintains an active international presence through festivals and masterclasses. His recognition includes: William Schuman Prize (awarded upon Juilliard graduation for outstanding leadership and achievement in music) As an educator, Kim mentors students now holding positions in major orchestras worldwide and shapes emerging talent through regular faculty roles at the Aspen Music Festival and School and Music Masters Course Japan. His pedagogical approach integrates performance experience with technical instruction. Kim actively participates in chamber music collaborations with ensembles including the Emerson, Guarneri, and Orion string quartets, and performs at festivals such as Aspen, La Jolla, Verbier, and Santa Fe as part of the Pinchas Zukerman and Friends chamber ensemble.
Melivia Raharjo serves as Lecturer in Music specializing in Collaborative Piano at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music within the Department of Chamber and Collaborative Music, based in Music Addition, MA109. Her educational qualifications include: Artist Diploma in Collaborative Piano from Cleveland Institute of Music (2021) Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from Cleveland Institute of Music (2019) Bachelor of Music from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore (2017) Raharjo's professional focus centers on collaborative piano performance, particularly in chamber music settings with string instruments. Her work emphasizes interpretive synergy with instrumentalists across violin and cello repertoire, art song partnerships, and competition accompaniment. She advocates for chamber music as a joyful communal experience that inspires broader musical engagement. Her distinguished accolades comprise: Two Special Prizes for Mozart and Beethoven Sonata performances at the 11th International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (2022) Duo Competition victory at Music Academy of the West (2021) featuring world premiere of Conrad Tao's 'Churn' No information is available regarding student advising or research grants. Raharjo maintains active performance collaborations with renowned ensembles including the Takács Quartet and individual artists such as Roger Vignoles and Jaime Laredo, while serving as official pianist for the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis and Hidden Valley Music Seminar's cello master classes.
Peter Stumpf serves as Professor of Cello at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. Previously, he held principal cellist positions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and associate principal cellist with the Philadelphia Orchestra for 12 years, beginning his orchestral career at age 16 with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. He earned his bachelor's degree from the Curtis Institute of Music and an Artist's Diploma from the New England Conservatory. Education: Bachelor's degree, Curtis Institute of Music Artist's Diploma, New England Conservatory As a dedicated chamber musician, Stumpf is a core member of the Johannes String Quartet with extensive international performance experience across major venues including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Concertgebouw, and Casals Hall. His repertoire spans solo cello works (notably Bach's Six Suites), concerto performances, and collaborative projects with renowned artists like Mitsuko Uchida and the Guarneri Quartet. His pedagogical focus emphasizes cello technique, chamber music interpretation, and orchestral training. Stumpf's accolades include: First prize, Washington International Competition First prize, Graham-Stahl Competition First prize, Aspen Concerto Competition Second prize, Evian International String Quartet Competition His academic appointments include faculty positions at USC, Hartt School of Music, New England Conservatory, and guest artist roles at Curtis Institute. He has conducted master classes globally at institutions including Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Seoul National University, and Manhattan School of Music. Stumpf maintains active collaborations with the Johannes String Quartet and previously performed with Boston Musica Viva, exploring microtonal compositions and premiering new works.
Robert Smith serves as Professor of Viola da Gamba and Baroque Cello at the Cologne University of Music and Dance, where he teaches both Bachelor's and Master's students in historical performance practice. His pedagogical approach integrates historical research with artistic experimentation, covering repertoire from the mid-17th century to early Romanticism. His educational foundation was built through studies with renowned mentors: Mieneke van der Velden and Paolo Pandolfo for viola da gamba in Amsterdam and Basel respectively, and Wouter Möller, Jaap ter Linden, and Viola de Hoog for baroque cello. He plays a viola da gamba by Pierre Bohr (Milan) and a baroque cello by Guust Francois on loan from the Nationaal Muziekinstrumentenfonds der Netherlands. Smith's artistic research centers on viola da gamba and baroque cello traditions from the 16th to 18th centuries, with particular focus on improvisation, continuo realization, and reinterpretation of historical sources. He challenges conventional assumptions through experimentation with bow grips, tunings, and chordal accompaniment, often extending into genre-defying collaborations such as performing Metallica arrangements in historical circus productions. His significant recognition includes: Winner of the International Bach-Abel Competition for Viola da Gamba (2013) As an active performer, Smith is a core member of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and co-founder of the ensemble Fantasticus, whose recordings have received critical acclaim. His 2017 recording of Telemann's newly discovered solo fantasias for viola da gamba was praised by The Observer for its "exceptional technical quality". He maintains an active performance schedule with live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and Deutschlandfunk Kultur.
Viktor Töpelmann is Professor of Historical Performance Practice at the University of Music and Dance Cologne since 2025. An accomplished cellist and gambist, he performs internationally and served as musical director of the Vokal Ensemble München (2015-2022). His career bridges performance, research, and pedagogy with a focus on historical context and authenticity, guided by Johann Friedrich Reichardt's 1782 exhortation to "strive for high enthusiasm." 2001-2004: Bachelor of Music, King's College London 2004-2006: Master of Music, Royal Academy of Music London 2006-2008: Master, Hochschule für Musik Köln 2011-2015: PhD, King's College London Töpelmann's research focuses on historical performance practice, examining cultural contexts of 17th-18th century music. His work explores Empfindsamkeit in Mozart's Salzburg, music trade history, and development of viola da gamba and baroque cello. He approaches historical performance not as rigid reconstruction but as a creative inspiration source for contemporary musicians, emphasizing historical empathy that fosters personal artistic expression. His publications reveal consistent focus on bridging historical research with practical performance. Works span detailed composer studies to broader cultural analyses of Salzburg's musical life during Mozart's era. His research demonstrates how historical understanding can enrich modern interpretation while maintaining artistic freedom, with particular attention to instrumentology and performance techniques. King's College Graduate School Scholarship (2011-2015) Publications in Cambridge University Press and specialized musicology journals Critical acclaim for Vokal Ensemble München performances As an educator, Töpelmann has taught at LMU Munich, Royal Academy of Music London, and University of Augsburg. He views teaching as holistic human development, integrating technical skill, emotional expression, cognitive understanding, and social awareness. His current professorship allows him to combine scholarly research with practical instruction in historical performance practice. His performance work includes numerous recordings as soloist and ensemble member, with special focus on historically informed performance. Solo CDs "Exquisite Delight" (2023) and "Harmonice Mundi" (2021) demonstrate expertise in viola da gamba repertoire using period instruments, reflecting his commitment to authentic sound production while maintaining artistic vitality.
Colin Carr is a Professor of Music at Stony Brook University , specializing in Cello and Chamber Music. He is a globally acclaimed cellist with a career spanning solo performances, chamber music collaborations, and teaching at prestigious institutions. Current faculty member at Stony Brook University since 2002 Former faculty at New England Conservatory (16 years) First-ever "Musician in Residence" at St. John’s College, Oxford (1998) Education Studied at Yehudi Menuhin School under Maurice Gendron and William Pleeth Performance Career Collaborated with major orchestras worldwide (Royal Concertgebouw, Philharmonia, Chicago Symphony, etc.) Regular guest artist at BBC Proms and international chamber festivals Member of the Golub-Kaplan-Carr Trio (20-year touring history) Extensive recitalist and recording artist with multiple CD releases Notable Achievements First Prize, Naumburg Competition Gregor Piatigorsky Memorial Award Second Prize, Rostropovich International Cello Competition Winner, Young Concert Artists competition Instrument & Personal Plays a 1730 Matteo Gofriller cello Lives with family in an old house outside Oxford
Paul Watkins serves as Artist-in-Residence and Chamber Music faculty at Stony Brook University's Department of Music, while also holding the Ensemble-in-Residence position with the Emerson String Quartet. His institutional affiliations include Music Director of the English Chamber Orchestra (appointed 2009), Principal Guest Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra, and longstanding membership in the Nash Ensemble since 1997. His artistic focus spans: Cello performance with major orchestras including BBC Proms appearances Chamber music leadership through the Emerson String Quartet Conducting repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary works Orchestral collaborations with ensembles like the Hong Kong Philharmonic Watkins' recognition includes: 2002 Leeds Conducting Competition victory Schallplattenpreis award for Warner Classics recording Grammy nomination for Britten and Berg Violin Concertos As an active performer, he maintains a global presence with recent Carnegie Hall appearances and televised BBC Proms performances, demonstrating ongoing artistic vitality and institutional engagement without indication of retirement or former status at Stony Brook.
