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UT Music Launches Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series with Grammy-Nominated Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency 

December 16, 2024 by Alissa Galyon

There’s something truly special about having world-class artistry come to campus—especially when it’s part of a multi-year commitment to elevate student learning and engage the community. The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee is doing just that with the launch of the Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Resident Artist/Lecturer Series in Spring 2025. Thanks to the generous support of the Haslam family, this series provides students with unparalleled access to internationally recognized artists and scholars while inspiring creativity and collaboration across disciplines. 

Taking place from February 17 – 18, 2025, the inaugural residency will feature the Akropolis Reed Quintet, a Grammy-nominated ensemble celebrated for its innovative approach to chamber music. Now in their 16th season, Akropolis is a trailblazing reed quintet described by The Wire as a “collective voice driven by real excitement and a sense of adventure.” Known for their dynamic performances, the ensemble has topped the Classical Billboard Charts with their last three albums, including a #2 placement in April 2024. With over 120 concerts and educational events delivered worldwide each year, Akropolis continues to redefine the possibilities of their unique instrumentation, having premiered or commissioned more than 150 works by living composers. Since their founding in 2009, the original five members have remained committed to fostering innovation and excellence in the arts, earning accolades such as the 2014 Fischoff Gold Medal and praise from Gramophone for their compelling performances. 

During their residency, Akropolis will engage students, faculty, and the broader community through a series of concerts, masterclasses, and lectures, showcasing their artistry and commitment to music education. One of the key features during their residency will be the Akropolis Quintet’s formal concert on Monday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Natalie L. Haslam Music Center’s Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, which is open to the public and free of charge. The performance will showcase the Quintet’s innovative programming, including the world premiere of a new work written by award-winning composer Ryan Lindveit, Lecturer of Music Theory & Composition in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. 

“It is through the Haslams’ generosity and dedication to the arts that we can bring world-class artists and scholars to our campus,” said Jeffrey Pappas, Founding Dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. “Our priority as a college is to offer transformative learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, collaborative, and prepare students to excel in the music economy after graduation. We are excited to welcome the Akropolis Reed Quintet as the inaugural artists in this series. Their exceptional artistry, commitment to music education, and expertise in self-promotion and music business will provide invaluable opportunities for our students.”  

The residency offers students a range of intimate and enriching learning experiences, from observing the Akropolis Reed Quintet in an open dress rehearsal to participating in a chamber music masterclass, where students can refine their skills with direct feedback from the ensemble. Additionally, a music business lecture will provide insights into critical industry topics such as copyright, licensing, and nonprofit business operations, equipping students with practical knowledge to support their future careers. 

The Akropolis Reed Quintet residency is just the beginning for the Natalie Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series, which aims to bring a diverse range of influential artists to the UT campus in the years to come. The series reflects the College’s commitment to providing students with transformative, real-world experiences that prepare them for successful careers in music. 

For more information about the residency schedule, please visit the Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Series webpage.

The UT College of Music Celebrates its Launch

October 9, 2023 by Alissa Galyon

The University of Tennessee College of Music commemorated its new beginning on Thursday with a rousing celebration, culminating in a surprise onstage performance of “Rocky Top” by the UT Pride of the Southland Marching Band.

“The College of Music will be a beacon of the arts in our community and beyond—from the beautiful art that is produced in the college, to the graduates who will go on to perform, teach, and advocate for music here in Tennessee and all over the world,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman.

The night included a special reception for College of Music donors and friends before the crowd entered the Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, including an outdoor performance by the UT Balinese Gamelan Ensemble. The night’s concert showcased the breadth of music-making that takes place in the College of Music, including a trumpet ensemble piece specifically written for the night, as well as percussion, piano, jazz, and chamber choir performances, and a performance of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” on violin.

But as thrilling as the performances themselves were, the event also highlighted a consistent theme of the College’s dedication to providing a superior student experience, and the University’s commitment to investing in the arts.  

“There are places where this is not happening,” said Jeffrey Pappas, Natalie L. Haslam Founding Dean of the College of Music, in reference to UT’s increased investment in the arts. “The University of Tennessee is bucking higher education trends throughout our campus. This dedication is another example of that.”

“From my first visit to campus, the faculty and the staff have been very supportive and encouraging,” said College of Music student Christian Carroll. “They have helped me become the best possible version of myself.”

“Opportunities for professional development, exploration, and experimentation will continue to grow in this College of Music where our faculty are dedicated to designing the path ahead, not merely walking it,” said Associate Professor of Horn Katie Johnson-Webb. “These opportunities will only enhance the excellence in teaching quality that our program has always enjoyed.”

The event also marked the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center.