BU Tanglewood Institute: Innovation Fund
Pictured: Advisory Council member David Bear and his wife Laurie Hammer
Announcing the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Innovation Fund!
Established in Spring 2020 with a generous gift from Advisory Council member David Bear and his wife Laurie Hammer, the new BU Tanglewood Institute Innovation Fund will be used to advance technology needs and innovation at BUTI, with a focus on enhancing student learning and performance. Funds will be put toward equipment purchases, with an emphasis this year on upgrading composition program and recording equipment.
Dr. Bear is a true connoisseur of recorded sound, especially in the classical music realm. BUTI Executive Director Hilary Respass and Composition Program Director Justin Casinghino recently had the opportunity to visit his home listening room in Eastern Massachusetts for a stunning audio experience. It sounded like the musicians were in the room with us!
Dr. Bear sends this advice for a terrific “almost live” experience:
In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, my spirits were lifted by a precious offering of the Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall. Led by Sir Simon Rattle, the Orchestra played (without audience) two masterpieces of the 20th century, Luciano Berio’s Symphonia and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra.
Regarding Symphonia, Sir Simon’s introductory remarks resonate with the deeply emotional responses I personally experience listening to this remarkable piece built on Berio’s sonorous universe of vocal expression interacting with orchestra. The composition is a reflection on the role of music in human life, including profound commentary on our mortality and evolution. The vehicle of the piece is repeated quotation of Mahler’s second symphony, Resurrection, an affirmation of triumph over death.
Of course, what is expressed by great music cannot be captured by words. I believe that Berio’s Symphonia completely dispels the notion that great contemporary music is coldly abstract, devoid of emotion or meaning.
Music lovers of BUTI, please watch this extraordinary concert!