Vermont College of Fine Arts to Host Renowned Callithumpian Consort During Inaugural MFA in Music Composition Residency
Monday, August 1, 2011, MONTPELIER, VT – Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), a national center for graduate education in the arts, announced today that members of the Callithumpian Consort, led by Director Stephen Drury, will be the first visiting ensemble for the inaugural residency of the newly-launched MFA in Music Composition program. The MFA in Music Composition Residency takes place from August 9-15. See website for further details.
The world-renowned ensemble will be on the Montpelier campus offering lectures and demonstrations for MFA students, holding open student rehearsals, and conclude with a public concert. In addition, students will have multiple opportunities to interact with the ensemble, from residency activities to shared meals and other informal gatherings.
“This is truly a one of a kind opportunity for our students,” said Carol Beatty, Director of the MFA Music Composition program. “Callithumpian's repertoire is the new and unusual, encompassing a huge stylistic spectrum from the classics of the last 100 years to works of the avant-garde and experimental jazz and rock. We are honored to have them with us.”
Returning for another featured visit during the second residency in February, the Callithumpian Consort will rehearse and play student work written specifically for them during the previous semester.
"As a recent graduate of VCFA's MFA program and the post-graduate Picture Book Certificate Program, I can say that I have never looked back. In addition to the knowledge and life-long friendships I've gained as a result of my Vermont College experience, I've seen remarkable growth in my ability to teach the craft of writing to students. Without a doubt, Vermont College of Fine Arts' MFA program has made me a better writer and a better teacher."