Eliza Simikian
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The Art of Opportunity
There are moments in a student’s education that leave a lasting mark – moments when world-class artistry, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning converge to reshape howyoung musicians understand their craft. At the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, those moments are becoming a signature feature of the student experience thanks to the new Natalie L.…
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A New Vision for the Stage: James Kenon Mitchell Leads UT Opera into Its Next Act
Written by Eliza Simikian Meet James Kenon Mitchell, the new Director of Opera Theatre at the UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. On November 14 – 16, UT Opera Theatre will be performing its first opera performance under the direction of Mitchell with an Italian Double Feature: La cambiale di matrimonio and Amelia al ballo. …
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UT Music Professors featured at Grand Teton Festival
Written by Eliza Simikian Each summer, the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, brings together some of the finest classical musicians from around the world. Among the world-class artists performing at this year’s festival were two members of the University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music faculty: mezzo-soprano Renée Tatum, assistant…
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UT Music Professor Renee Tatum to headline Knoxville Opera’s “Carmen”
Written by Eliza Simikian Renee Tatum, acclaimed mezzo-soprano and faculty member at the University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, will take center stage in Knoxville Opera’s 2025–26 season opener, performing the title role in Bizet’s Carmen. The production, set to open this weekend (October 24 and 26), marks a major milestone in…
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UT Music Professor Leads Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
Written by Eliza Simikian James Fellenbaum, associate professor and director of orchestras at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, was invited this summer to conduct at the Hollywood Bowl for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most iconic and prestigious outdoor music venues in the world, known for…
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Professor Hillary Herndon Appointed as Director of Sewanee Summer Music Festival
The University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is proud to announce that Professor Hillary Herndon, professor of viola, has been appointed as the new director of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Herndon will assume the role following a successful tenure as the festival’s associate director from 2018 to 2024. The Sewanee Summer…
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Professor Jorge Variego Named FY25 Music Fellow
The UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is thrilled to announce that Jorge Variego, professor of music and technology, has been honored with the FY25 Individual Artist Fellowship in Music Composition by the Tennessee Arts Commission. This award celebrates Variego’s outstanding achievements in contemporary music composition and his significant contributions to the arts community. …
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Professor Hillary Herndon Honored with Distinguished Service Award by American Viola Society
In recognition of her exceptional contributions and leadership in the field of music, Hillary Herndon, professor of viola at the UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the American Viola Society (AVS). The award was presented to her during the recent American Viola Society Festival held…
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Mehrenegar Rostami Joins UT’s Musicology Faculty
The University of Tennessee College of Music proudly welcomes Mehrenegar Rostami to its musicology faculty for fall 2024. With a rich educational background and a passion for exploring the intricate connections between music and political philosophy, Rostami brings a unique perspective to the university’s faculty. Rostami’s academic journey began at the Art and Architecture branch…
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UT College of Music’s Ryan Lindveit Named 2024 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award Recipient
The UT College of Music is proud to announce that Ryan Lindveit, Lecturer of Music Theory & Composition, has been named a recipient of the 2024 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award. This esteemed recognition celebrates the exceptional talent and creativity of young composers in the realm of concert music. Lindveit’s award-winning composition, enriched…