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Press Releases
84 Alumni of New England Conservatory Perform 'Pomp and Circumstance' From Across the Globe to Celebrate the Class of 2020
For Immediate Release—New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston worked with 84 alumni of the institution on a moving virtual performance of the classic graduation melody, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar. Recorded from around the globe, the 84 alumni offered this video as a graduation gift to the Class of 2020—many of whom are celebrating graduation from home around the world.
Watch the video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/
While the official 2020 Commencement will be deferred to the fall, NEC students, alumni, faculty, and President Andrea Kalyn gathered online during the weekend of May 15-17, 2020 for an online celebration of the Class of 2020.
You can view the entire Celebration of the Class of 2020, including two Digital Commencement Concerts: https://necmusic.edu/events/celebrating-class-2020.
Inviting alumni to collaborate in a musical celebration was “a unique way to reconnect in these unique times,” says Cory Pesaturo, ’08. Alumni were grateful to give back through music, with Merrick Nelson, ’09 MM, saying, “Music is what I have to offer during these difficult times.”
Through their solidarity with the graduating students, alumni offered words of encouragement that “they are not alone,” says Stephanie Wagner, ’97. “There is a whole network of alumni who are happy to help them,” says Najib Wong, ’08. Sally Wituszynski, ’86, adds, “We hope that the graduates will feel honored and celebrated as they go off into the world, to make it a better place through their art.”
The “performance” for each alumnus was unlike a regular concert. There was no stage, no audience, no conductor, no other musicians - just a click track and a single violin part.
David Reffkin, ’73, describes the experience as “a unique musical, technical, and cultural activity. It evoked for me the intriguing sensation of simultaneously producing an audition tape, one-take tracking session, and live performance. As my colleagues in the ensemble were fellow alums, I experienced a sense of ensemble and familiarity, even though I was alone in the “hall.” It was particularly satisfying to contribute to the celebration of this year’s graduating class.”
Music is a universal language. This virtual performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” is a celebration for all graduates around the world. We hope it serves as reminder that wherever you are, we are all in this together, and we will always come together to support one another.
About New England Conservatory
New England Conservatory (NEC) is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world for over 150 years. With 800 music students representing more than 40 countries in the College, and 2,000 youth and adults who study in the Preparatory and Continuing Education divisions, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for students, providing them with performance opportunities and high-caliber training with internationally-esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. NEC’s alumni, faculty and students touch nearly every aspect of musical life in the region; NEC is a major engine of the vital activity that makes Boston a musical and cultural capital. With the recent appointment of Andrea Kalyn to serve as NEC’s 17th President, the Conservatory is poised to embark on a new chapter at the forefront of innovation in education and music.
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