Music in Austria and the Czech Republic

02/02/2024

When I began researching works by composers who lived and worked in Brno during the 20th century, my dream was to make their music available.

Thanks to my colleague Dr. Joel Schut, Director of the GVSU Symphony Orchestra, who wrote a grant and organized not only the U.S. premiere performance of Vladimir Werner's Concerto for Oboe, but also a recording project, you can now listen to this exciting work! I am grateful to my colleagues and students who put their energy and time into bringing this work back to live.

Many thanks to Blue Griffin Recording, mainly to the amazingly talented Sergei Kvitko!

I hope you enjoy this concerto as much as I have enjoyed playing it :-)

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesConcerto for Oboe and Orchestra: II. Adagio sostenuto · Marlen Vavrikova · Vladimír Werner · Grand Valley State...

06/20/2023

One of my many favorite study abroad blog posts!

Pictured above is Nat & Natalie, the authors of this post. On Sunday, June 11th, a small group of six students voyaged out into the wild. Specifically, we went to the Schönbrunn Zoo, a bustling…

06/16/2023

Photos from our trip: Prague, part 1

06/14/2023

Photos from our trip: On our way to Europe! Starting in Grand Rapids (GRR), with a bit longer connection in Paris, France (CDG), and finally arriving in Prague, Czechia (PRG).

06/14/2023

Prague: Smetana Hall

During our time in Prague we had the chance to visit Smetana hall which is located in the center of the Old City in the municipal house built from 1905 to 1911. This hall has been used for over 100…