Allan Glassman is a Lecturer in Classical Voice at the Music Conservatory of Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts. A celebrated tenor, he has performed internationally in major operatic roles including Herod in Salome, Manrico in Il Trovatore, and Canio in I Pagliacci. His career spans prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin, and Oper Frankfurt, with notable performances in both the United States and abroad since joining the faculty in 2013. Specialization: Classical Voice and Opera Performance Performance Highlights: Metropolitan Opera engagements (2004–2012), international tours in Europe, Israel, and Mexico, and collaborations with renowned opera companies. Academic Role: Teaching at Roosevelt University's Music Conservatory, contributing to undergraduate and graduate voice programs (BM, MM). Glassman's performance history demonstrates expertise in 19th-20th century operas, particularly in dramatic tenor roles. He bridges practical performance experience with academic training in vocal arts.
Martha Feldman is the Ferdinand Schevill Distinguished Service Professor of Music and the College at the University of Chicago. A cultural historian specializing in European vernacular musics (1500-1950) with a focus on Italy, her work interrogates intersections of social, political, and artistic phenomena through opera, cinema, media, and voice studies. Education: PhD in Musicology, University of Pennsylvania (1987) Feldman's research spans Renaissance Venice, 18th-century opera seria, and 20th-century castrato legacies. Current projects include The Castrato Phantom and the co-edited volume A Voice as Something More , both exploring voice studies through interdisciplinary lenses. Her publications analyze: Madrigals in Venetian civic culture Opera as political metaphor Voice ontology across media Fellini's operatic influences Courtesan artistic practices Psychoanalysis of vocal identity Scientific Awards: Dent Medal (2001) Graduate Teaching Award (2009) Gordon J. Laing Award (2010) Otto Kinkeldey Award (2015) Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2012) Feldman has received grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Guggenheim Foundation, and Getty Research Institute. She mentors graduate students through collaborative research initiatives and co-edited works. Labs/Teams: Principal Investigator, The Voice Project (2013-2016) Member, Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society Board Leadership, American Musicological Society
Dr. hab. Klaudia Carlos-Machej is a Professor and has served as Dean of the Faculty of Dance at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw (UMFC) since 2019. She holds dual doctorates as Doctor of Humanities and Doctor of Musical Arts, and is an accomplished dancer and choreographer specializing in Polish national dances. Her academic foundation includes a degree in ballet pedagogy from UMFC (1995), postgraduate studies in journalism at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (2001), and Postgraduate Studies in Cultural Management at the Polish Academy of Sciences (2017). As a lecturer at UMFC since 1995, she served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Choral Conducting, Music Education, Church Music, Rhythm and Dance from 2012-2019 before becoming Dean. Professor Carlos-Machej's research focuses on dance education, Polish national dances, and the historical relationship between music and dance. Her work explores dance as cultural heritage, particularly during Poland's partition era, examining how traditional forms like polonaise, krakowiak, kujawiak, and oberek functioned as expressions of national identity. She has documented the influence of Russian classical dance traditions on Polish ballet education and investigated the philosophical dimensions of dance in antiquity. Her publications from 2014-2024 demonstrate consistent scholarly output, with her most recent work examining the relationship between dance and music during Poland's loss of statehood (1795-1918). She has also edited significant dance publications including comprehensive guides to Polish dances. As an educator and administrator, she has been conceptually responsible for the Polish Dance Forum since 2014, an important periodic event at UMFC that serves as a platform for dance scholarship and performance in Poland. Her professional background includes extensive performance experience as a dancer with the T. Sygietyński State Folk Song and Dance Ensemble 'Mazowsze' (1990-1995) and as a mime dancer and dance teacher at the Warsaw Chamber Opera (1996-2011), where she performed solo parts in numerous productions including works by Mozart, Telemann, Monteverdi, and Tchaikovsky. Additionally, Professor Carlos-Machej has maintained a parallel career in media since 1994 as a journalist and TV presenter across multiple Polish networks, creating programs that promote dance and music, including the Baletownik series on TVP Kultura featuring prominent Polish dancers.
Dr. hab. Kamila Kułakowska serves as a university professor at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, where she has led the singing class since 2013 and held the position of vice-dean of the Faculty of Vocal and Acting from 2016 to 2020. An internationally active soprano, she maintains a dual career in performance and pedagogy across European concert halls and opera stages. Her academic foundation includes a diploma with distinction from the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz's Vocal and Acting Department, preceded by piano studies at the Secondary State School of Music. She refined her vocal technique through master classes with Christoph Hampe (Karlsruhe), Christoph Elssner (Dresden), and Hanna Łazarska (Vienna). Professor Kułakowska specializes in classical vocal repertoire spanning over 200 art songs and major operatic roles by Mozart, Gluck, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky. Her artistic focus integrates historical performance practice with contemporary works, particularly excelling in Mozartian roles, Slavic operas, and 20th-century compositions like Ullmann's 'Emperor of Atlantis'. Her distinguished competition record includes: Ada Sari International Vocal Art Competition: 2nd place + special prize Stanisław Moniuszko Competition: Kościuszko Foundation special prize Golden Voices National Competition: 1st place + operetta prize Paderewski Vocal Competition: 2nd place + Polish Radio prize Duszniki-Zdrój National Competition: Special prize Halina Halska Competition: 3rd place + contemporary music prize As an educator, she mentors vocal students while maintaining an active performance schedule with conductors including Valery Gergiev (Teatr Wielki 'Les Troyens') and Modestas Pitrenas (Stravinsky's 'The Nightingale'). Her career bridges rigorous academic training with international stage experience across six European countries.
Aris Argiris is a Professor at the University of the Arts in Berlin, Faculty of Performing Arts, where he has been teaching since 2016. Born in Athens, he is a distinguished baritone opera singer with an international career spanning major opera houses across Europe, North America, and Asia. His educational background includes studies in marketing and languages, saxophone and music theory, as well as singing with Kostas Paskalis, Frangiscos Voutsinos, and Despoina Kalafati in Athens. In 1999, he received the Maria Callas scholarship and continued his vocal studies in the master class of Prof. Daphne Evangelatos at the University of Music and Theater in Munich. As a performer, Argiris has appeared at prestigious venues including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Arena di Verona, Semperoper Dresden, and Theatre de la Monnaie. His repertoire spans dramatic Italian and German works including roles such as Wotan in Wagner's Ring cycle, Scarpia in Tosca, Rigoletto, Amonasro in Aida, and Escamillo in Carmen (which he performed in the first 3D opera film). His notable awards include: Maria Callas scholarship in Athens (1999) International Singing Competition of the Chamber Opera Schloss Rheinsberg winner (2002) Best Young Artist of Greece by the Greek Association of Music and Theatre Critics (2007) Professor Argiris maintains an active performance schedule alongside his teaching responsibilities, with engagements planned through 2026 at major opera houses including Staatstheater Darmstadt, Landestheater Linz, and Tiroler Landestheater Innsbruck. He has worked with renowned conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Christian Thielemann, and Kurt Masur and continues to be a significant figure in both the performance and educational aspects of opera.
Daniel Leidner is a Cooperation Professor at the University of Bremen and a researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) where he has been contributing to the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics since 2011. He earned his doctorate in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from the University of Bremen in 2017. Since 2017, he has led the Semantic Planning Group and the Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR, focusing on advanced task planning for autonomous robotic systems and enhancing the reliability of robotic operations in dynamic environments. Leidner's research interests span multiple areas in robotics and artificial intelligence. His work emphasizes developing robust and resilient robotic systems capable of autonomous operation in complex environments. He specializes in creating systems that can not only handle predictable scenarios but also flexibly respond to unforeseen events. His ERC Starting Grant project RECOVER.ME aims to equip robots with metacognitive abilities to autonomously manage hardware malfunctions by integrating formal reasoning with Vision-Language Models. This innovative approach enhances the resilience and efficiency of space robots, reducing the need for manual intervention during missions and leveraging insights from cognitive psychology for improved problem-solving capabilities. Leidner's research portfolio includes significant projects such as RECOVER.ME, FUTURO, EASE, OPERA, Smile2gether, Surface Avatar, and CoViPa. His publications demonstrate a strong focus on autonomous task planning, human-robot interaction, fault tolerance, and metacognitive capabilities in robotic systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in space teleoperation, assistive robotics, and cognitive reasoning for resilient robotic systems. ERC Starting Grant (2024) for project RECOVER.ME Georges Giralt PhD Award (Best European PhD Thesis in Robotics) Helmholtz Doctoral Prize MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35 Award Leidner has served as an advisor to the German Federal Government from October 2023 to July 2024, where he played a crucial role in developing a national strategy for AI-based robotics. His leadership in the Semantic Planning Group and Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR demonstrates his significant contributions to advancing robotic capabilities in challenging environments. His work bridges theoretical advances in cognitive robotics with practical applications in space exploration, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Dr. Melanie Fritsch is a Junior Professor at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf since October 2020, specializing in Media Cultural Studies with a focus on Game Studies and related fields. Her career spans roles as a PR & Communications Manager in the gaming industry, lecturer at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and research assistant at Universität Bayreuth and Leipzig. Education: Theaterwissenschaft, Musikwissenschaft, and Neuere Deutsche Literatur at Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Sapienza Università di Roma (2000–2008) Doctorate: 2018 at Universität Bayreuth with dissertation 'Performing Bytes. Musikperformances der Computerspielkultur' Current Research: Ludomusicology, performance theory, fan studies, environmental narratives in games Melanie’s research bridges game studies, digital humanities, and musicology, emphasizing games as performative cultural practices. Her work explores intersections of music and gameplay, fan engagement dynamics, and liveness in digital spaces. Key publication trends include: Game music analysis (e.g., 'The Cambridge Companion to Video Game Music') Performance theory in gaming ('Live Performance Games') Environmental narratives in virtual worlds Historical game music studies (1980s Japanese game music) Interdisciplinary methodologies combining musicology and game design She has contributed to major conferences and symposia, including keynote presentations at Universidad de Chile and Kunstuniversität Graz. Her editorial work includes co-editing the peer-reviewed series 'Studies in Game Sound and Music'.
Giedrius Prunskus is an Associate Professor at the Singing Department of the Music Academy within Vytautas Magnus University . His academic career spans research, supervision of graduate theses, and contributions to vocal pedagogy. Research Interests: Vocal performance, ethics in musical theater, choral singing, vocal hygiene, stage anxiety, and pedagogical methods. Key Article Trends: Focused on practical and ethical challenges in vocal arts, balancing technique with emotional and physiological factors, and adapting to post-pandemic performance realities. Supervised Theses: Examined topics like soprano vocal fatigue, self-assessment in performers, musical theater ethics, and attention techniques for preschool music education. Languages: Native Lithuanian, fluent in Polish and Italian, advanced German and Russian, basic French and Spanish. Professional Reach: ORCID 0000-0002-0894-9064; active in academic advising and research from 2020 to 2025.
João Nemi Neto is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Portuguese Language Program at Columbia University's Department of Latin American and Iberian Cultures. Department: Latin American and Iberian Cultures Academic Role: Senior Lecturer University: Columbia University Educational Philosophy : Focuses on queer pedagogy and inclusive language instruction, emphasizing: Queer visibility in language classrooms Resistance to heteronormative textbooks Safe spaces for gender-diverse students Integrating cultural/political context into language learning Research Themes : Interdisciplinary work at the intersection of: Queer cinema studies Brazilian telenovela analysis Language's role in gender expression Antropofagia theory applications Inclusive pedagogical frameworks Historical queer narratives Publication Trends : Recent work examines: Queer representation in Brazilian cinema (1970-2015) LGBTQIA+ inclusion in foreign language education Evolution of masculinity portrayals in media Gender theory in educational contexts Historical AIDS activism narratives Queer pedagogy methodologies Collaborations : Co-authored works with Daniela Jakubaszko analyzing Brazilian television gender dynamics.
Esther González Martínez is Full Professor of Sociology at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) in the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Department of Social Sciences. She earned her PhD in sociology and social sciences from the University of Lausanne and EHESS (2003), followed by postdoctoral research at Boston University, Cornell University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and UCLA. Her research specializes in institutional interactions using conversation analysis and ethnomethodology, with current focus areas including: Healthcare communication practices (nurse coordination, corridor interactions) Legal settings (interrogation techniques, judicial procedures) Workplace mobility and multimodal interaction Request formulation in institutional contexts She leads the Interaction and Social Practices Research Group (GRIPS) and directs FNS-funded projects on hospital communication dynamics. Her recent publications (2015-2025) predominantly analyze healthcare interactions, demonstrating consistent focus on conversation patterns in mobile workplace settings, particularly nurse-doctor coordination and institutional request sequences. Notable research projects include: Requesting in hospital nurses' unscheduled interprofessional interactions (FNS 2019-2024) Mobile and Contingent Work Interactions in Hospital Care (FNS 2011-2015) Interactional competences in institutional practices (IC-You project 2012-2015) She maintains active collaboration networks internationally, including partnerships with University of York.
Andrew R. Walkling is a Professor of Art History and Director of Graduate Studies at Binghamton University. His research focuses on early modern Britain, particularly seventeenth-century English courtly culture, visual and material culture, and interdisciplinary studies bridging art, literature, music, and performance. He specializes in Henry Purcell and Restoration-era musical theatre. Education : PhD and MA in Art History, Cornell University BA in English Literature, Dartmouth College Research & Teaching Interests : Walkling explores the intersections of visual arts, drama, literature, and music in early modern Britain. He examines how these mediums contributed to the construction of absolutism and shaped cultural narratives. His work includes studies on Purcell’s operas, Restoration drama, and the role of performance in political identity. Awards & Fellowships : Recipient of multiple research fellowships from institutions like the Folger Shakespeare Library, Huntington Library, and Harvard’s Houghton Library. Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010–2011) and Faculty Service (2023–2024). Advising & Leadership : As Director of Graduate Studies, Walkling oversees doctoral training in Art History. His teaching includes courses on Early Modern London, music and text in 17th-century England, and British art from Holbein to Hogarth.
Wencke Ophaug is an Associate Professor Emerita at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Humanities, Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies. Her research focuses on phonetics, particularly singing phonetics and German language studies. She has contributed extensively to understanding vowel articulation, consonant realization, and IPA transcription challenges in classical singing across German, Scandinavian, and Finnish languages. Ophaug is affiliated with the research group 'Phonetics Fanatics' and has been involved in projects like the Telemann Project. Her work bridges linguistics and musicology, addressing practical vocal performance issues and historical phonological developments. Key research interests include the interplay between speech and singing phonetics, vowel modification in classical singing, and cross-linguistic challenges in vocal performance. She has authored/co-authored articles on topics like laterals in singing, Scandinavian IPA transcription, and German rhotacism in vocal contexts. Her career spans over four decades, with contributions to academic reviews and pedagogical approaches in foreign language pronunciation.
Christian Günther is a Lecturer in Ensemble Leadership at the Hochschule für Künste Bremen. He conducts the Ensemble 'piano possibile' and leads courses such as Ensembleleitung für Kompositionsstudierende and Ensemble-/Chorleitung (KPA). Since 2008, he has served as Deputy Chorus Director at the Hamburg State Opera and assisted at Bayreuther Festspielen (2017) and Opernhaus Zürich (2018). His expertise spans contemporary music, opera direction, and ensemble training. Education: Studied orchestral conducting at the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts (1994–2000) Research & Roles: Specializes in new music performance, having premiered student operas like 'Unterwegs' (2002–2007). Maintains active roles with the NDR-Chor and Atelier Neue Musik ensemble. His work bridges classical training with contemporary artistic innovation. Grants & Collaborations: Regular guest conductor engagements and festival participations highlight his industry connections. Current teaching focuses on practical ensemble leadership for composition students.
Dr. Martin Hecker is an Adjunct Professor in Music Theory and Composition at the Hochschule für Künste Bremen (HFK Bremen). He holds a doctorate from HMT Leipzig (2008) on Pierre Boulez's piano sonata, and has held teaching roles at Folkwang Universität Essen, Kath. Universität Eichstätt, HMT Leipzig, and HMTM Hannover since 2008. His research focuses on contemporary music analysis, pedagogy, and historical composition techniques. Education: Piano studies at HfM Dresden (2001–05) and Mozarteum University Salzburg (2006–10); Composition under Prof. J. Herchet (2002–08). Awards: Doctoral Distinction, Erasmus Scholarship, and Meisterklassenstipendium. Research interests include 20th-century music structure, integrative music theory pedagogy, and performance analysis. His works include two chamber operas ( Dinner for One and Der Narr im Waisenhaus ), orchestral pieces, and piano compositions. He has performed as a soloist in major cities like New York, Paris, and Berlin. Key contributions include theoretical publications on Boulez and pedagogical strategies for new music. He regularly presents at GMTH congresses and teaches courses on form analysis, ear training, and music history.
Robin Thomas is Professor of Art History and Architecture and Head of the Department of Art History at Pennsylvania State University's College of Arts and Architecture. His office is located at 238 Borland Building. He earned a BA from Emory University, followed by an MA, M.Phil, and PhD from Columbia University. Thomas specializes in European architecture and urbanism (1400–1800), with a focus on Naples. His research explores: Early-modern urban development and palace architecture Slavery's role in construction practices Baroque spatial aesthetics Architectural education and intellectual history Music-space relationships Bourbon dynasty's building programs His publications consistently examine 18th-century Italian architecture through interdisciplinary lenses, merging political history, social anthropology, and visual culture. Recent works analyze racial dimensions in construction, Enlightenment reforms, and royal iconography. Awards include: College of Arts and Architecture Outstanding Teaching Award (2014) Fulbright Fellowship Whiting Foundation Humanities Fellowship Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship (Metropolitan Museum of Art) Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry Fellowship
