CU Boulder College of Music

In May and June, CU Boulder Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens represented our College of Music through a series of performances, master classes and artistic collaborations in Japan and China. The centerpiece of the tour was “American Voices with Japanese Friends” at Tokyo’s renowned Suntory Hall. “This trip reinforced my belief that music is ultimately about people,” says Mertens.

University of Colorado Boulder CU Boulder Center for Humanities & the Arts 国立音楽大学 Suntory Hall Shanghai Conservatory of Music

CU Boulder saxophone professor makes Suntory Hall debut during Asia tour In May and June, CU Boulder Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens represented our College of Music through a series of performances, master classes

A special moment: Our Professor of Flute Christina Jennings and Associate Professor of Guitar Nicolò Spera performing together at the Cleveland International Classical Guitar Festival this past weekend!

On the heels of spearheading the college’s 2026 CU Boulder Guitar Summer Academy, Associate Professor of Guitar Nicolò Spera will perform new works in Cleveland this weekend including the world premiere of our Professor of Composition Carter Pann’s “Cinque Pezzi per l’intuizione Italiana” as well as works by Christopher Theofanidis for guitar, flute and viola featuring Professor of Flute Christina Jennings and her violist husband Matthew Dane—we the many collaborations among our faculty, year-round!

Guitars International

Italian guitarist Nicolò Spera: an afternoon of new music - Cleveland Classical Download article as PDFby Mike Telin “The first thing I do before I contact a composer to ask them to write a piece is listen to their music. If it doesn’t speak to me, why would I spend the money and the time?” Italian guitarist Nicolò Spera said during a recent Zoom conversation. “And if ...

Deirdre Lobo (MM ’93, vocal performance) will make her solo concert debut at the Laureate Gala with the New York Chamber Players, conducted by Giacomo Franci, on June 28, 2026, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City. A milestone more than 40 years in the making, Lobo will perform “Deh vieni” from “Le Nozze di Figaro” by W. A. Mozart and “Il est doux, il est bon” from “Hérodiade” by Jules Massenet. Brava!

CU Boulder Voice Forever Buffs: University of Colorado Boulder Alumni

Forty years ago, then-Director of Bands Allan McMurray saw a need for a space where conductors could grow. In response, he founded the CU Boulder Wind Band Conducting Symposium. This summer, the distinguished professor of conducting emeritus returns as guest clinician. Twenty-one professional-level participants from 10 states will participate in the symposium, June 7-12. Discover what makes the symposium unique!

University of Colorado Boulder Bands University of Colorado Boulder

2026 Wind Band Conducting Symposium welcomes the return of founder Allan McMurray Twenty-one professional-level participants from 10 states will participate in the CU Boulder Wind Band Conducting Symposium, June 7-12. Professor of Conducting

Mark Connor (MM ’97, composition + theory) was selected as Missouri’s representative for SBO+ (School Band and Orchestra) magazine's 2026 “50 Music Educators Who Make a Difference”—a national honor recognizing outstanding contributors to music education! Now completing his 30th year in the classroom, Connor has served as Head Band Director at Principia School in St. Louis since 2023 and has 11 original works for band, published by RWS Music and Grand Mesa Music. Congratulations!

CU Boulder Music Education Forever Buffs: University of Colorado Boulder Alumni

We love this inspiring spotlight on Boulder native Heidi Alina (BM ’91, piano performance), illuminating the evolution of a multifaceted musical life: “I’ve always loved how music makes me feel, the challenge it presents on so many levels, and how I can touch and open the hearts of others when I play.” MORE: https://www.dailycamera.com/2026/06/01/five-questions-boulder-pianist-heidi-alina/

University of Colorado Boulder Piano + Keyboard Department University of Colorado Boulder Forever Buffs: University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Daily Camera

Another example of our wonderful faculty members making music and engaging in community this summer—locally, regionally, nationally and internationally!