Full Renovation of Studio A
When complete, Studio A will be a state-of-the-art recording facility with brand new equipment and instruments.
Jonathan Harris ’20 President’s Award Winner for Public Art
The President’s Award winner traces the arc of the the sun as it passes over the campus through a sonic experience.
Katie Kresek ’98, ’99 Wins Tony Award
She’s the concertmaster and co-orchestrator of Moulin Rouge! the Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway.
Jazz Artist Anaïs Reno Performs at Citifield
The 17-year-old singer performed a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the Mets and Yankees subway series game on the 20th anniversary of September 11.
Teresa Díaz de Cossío MM ’18 Named Future of Music
The Cleveland Institute of Music initiated a Future of Music Faculty Fellowship.
Allyson Johnson ’81 and the Possibilities of Purchase
Allyson Johnson ’81graduated with a BFA in music, but discovered a passion for film editing along the way.
Lucy Wijnands ’20 Wins Prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition
And learned of her win on what would have been Fitzgerald’s 104th birthday.
Professor Silas Brown ’10 Wins Grammy Award
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Silas Brown ’10 on his win and to David De Jesus ’04 and Lucy Kalantari ’98 for their work on Grammy®-winning projects.
Travis Sluss ’07 Named 40 Under 40
He’s the Founder and CEO of two successful MacInspires Makerspaces.
Laura Jobin-Acosta ’20 MM Earns Inaugural OPERA America Residency
Congratulations to Laura Jobin-Acosta ’20 MM, a composer recently named a recipient of the first-ever IDEA Opera Residencies program by OPERA America.
A Wolf’s Passion for Music & Fashion
The artist known as Wolf is finding her voice.
David De Jesus ’04 Plays on Grammy-Nominated Album
The alum and professor was a member of Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Olivia Manna ’21 Interns at Nasdaq
Olivia Manna ’21 is interning this summer at Nasdaq in their Futures Internship Program, where she’s working with the MarketSite Client Experience and Events team.
Britney DiTocco ’20 Welcomes New Students in Song
When incoming students participate in the next phase of orientation in August, Phase T.W.O. (named for part two and Think Wide Open), they will be treated to an original song welcoming them to Purchase.
Yancy Garcia Named Next Ella Fitzgerald Scholar
We are pleased to announce a new Ella Fitzgerald Scholar, Yancy Garcia. We remain grateful to the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation for their essential support.
Spike Wilner MM ’07 Reopens NYC Jazz Club
Alumnus Spike Wilner, owner of Smalls Jazz Club and Mezzrow, is using creative strategies to reopen. Smalls will be the first NYC jazz club to return to live, on-site performances!
Ilias Fourati ’20 Receives SUNY Chancellor’s Award
The chemistry and piano performance double major is among two Purchase College graduating seniors to receive the prestigious 2020 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.
Britney DiTocco ’20 Receives SUNY Chancellor’s Award
The history and studio composition double major is among two Purchase College graduating seniors to receive the prestigious 2020 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.
#SUNYTogether + #PurchaseCares: “Both Sides, Now”
Enjoy this performance of the Joni Mitchell classic by Jazz Studies students Lucy Wijnands ’20 and Harrison Graser ’22, with Pete Malinverni, associate professor of jazz studies.
Vocalist Lucy Wijnands ’20 Finalist in Prestigious Competition
Congratulations to Lucy Wijnands ’20 (jazz studies), named one of five finalists of the Ella Fitzgerald Competition.
Jon Samson ’03 Wins a Grammy
For Best Children’s Album
Samara McLendon ’21 Wins Prestigious Sassy Award
She competed to win the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.
Cyrille Aimée ’09 Earns Grammy Nomination
Award category is for best arrangement.
Faculty Members Earn Grammy Nominations
Silas Brown and Amanda Gookin MM ’16 were recognized for their work as producer/engineer and performer.
Professor Kamala Sankaram’s Techno-Infused Opera
Composition Professor Kamala Sankaram looks to expand opera audiences through the use of techno music and familiar language.
Jazz Program featured at ArtsWestchester’s JazzFest
Purchase faculty and students will be featured at four events during ArtsWestchester’s annual JazzFest.
Must-Read Profile: Mitski ’13
The New Yorker’s Margaret Talbot went On the Road with Mitski.
Regina Spektor ’01 Debuts on Broadway
She’s playing a five-night residency featuring her early songs.
Opera Alumnus Places Third in International Competition
Voice & Opera Alumnus Bryan Murray (MM ’15, AD ’16) placed Third in the prestigious Mirjam Helin International Singing Competition.
Two Alumni Star in Operas by Purchase Faculty Member
Lydia Adelle Brown ’19 and Jorell Williams ’06 star in two different NYC productions of Laura Kaminsky operas.
Purchase alumnus part of a 3-generation opera family
Bryan Murray (MM ’15, AD ’16) is following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps as an internationally renowned opera singer.
Jazz Performers Inspired by Poetry
On Wednesday, April 10, an audience packed the Neuberger Museum of Art’s Center Gallery to hear jazz musicians interpret the poetry of Kevin Young.
Laura Kaminsky Featured in Opera News
“I care about the fate of the world we inhabit. So what I can do is write music that deals with things that I care about, that I think need to be attended to.”
Acting Professor Features Purchase Alumni and Students in His Work
David Bassuk directed a reading the Potok play Out of the Depths.
Purchase Alumna Wins “Best Children’s Album” Grammy Award
Lucy (DeJesus) Kalantari ’98 (studio composition) won a “Best Children’s Album” Grammy® Award for All the Sounds.
Wet Ink, featuring Ian Antonio, is named “Best Ensemble of 2018” by The New York Times
Percussion Faculty member, Ian Antonio, is part of the Wet Ink Ensemble, which was named Best Classical Ensemble of 2018 by The New York Times.
Laura Kaminsky Wins Visionary Composer Award
Composition Professor Laura Kaminsky is a winner of the 2019 Composers Now Festival Visionary Award.
Faculty Member part of Jazz Supergroup ARTEMIS
Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen is part of ARTEMIS, an all-female jazz supergroup.
Pete Malinverni Has Music in his Soul
“Pete’s just got the biggest heart. He’s always trying to make sure that everyone’s comfortable with what we’re talking about. As a musician, he makes me love music more.”
Music Professor Releases New Album
Ted Piltzecker’s new album Brindica reflects cultural influences from Brazil, India, Africa, Bali, Cuba, Puerto Rico, New Orleans and Harlem.
Opera Alumnus Receives Prestigious Fellowship
Christopher Colmenero (MusB ’10, MM ’12) is one of 12 recipients of the 2019 Adler Fellowship through San Francisco Opera.
Composition Student Premiering New Opera
Zachary James Ritter (MM ’20) will premiere his new one-act chamber opera “On Our Street” as part of the Compōs-it Opera Festival.
Gabriel Fridkis ’16 Wins Major Orchestra Position
Gabriel Fridkis ’16 wins the Assistant Principal Flute position at the Fort Worth Symphony.
Purchase Professor and Students Featured in Chancellor’s Inauguration
Anthony Domestico, associate professor of literature, offers remarks on behalf of the faculty of SUNY and Conservatory of Music students perform.
Prof. Kamala Sankaram opened American Opera Initiative Festival
Composition Professor Kamala Sankaram opened Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative with the world premiere of Taking Up Serpents.
Composition Alum Selected for BMI Workshop
Sequoia Sellinger (’17) has been selected for the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.
Mitski ’13 Releases New Album to Rave Reviews
Be the Cowboy, a new album by Mitski (studio composition), received rave reviews from Rolling Stone and more.
Jazz Program featured at ArtsWestchester’s JazzFest
Purchase faculty and students will be featured at three events during ArtsWestchester’s annual JazzFest.
Composition Students Chosen for Prestigious Festival
Gregg Welcher (’19) and Kristin Kirk (’19 MM) participated in the Seal Bay Festival this summer
Studio Composition Faculty Releases New Music Video
Rebecca Haviland (Alumna and Faculty Member) and her band Whiskey Heart release new video featuring dance.
Music Alumni Earn News and Doc Emmy Nomination
Dan Romer ’04 and Saul Simon MacWilliams ’05 recognized for original score.
Laura Kaminsky’s “As One” is the most performed new opera in North America
“The size of As One is not its only progressive component. From the beginning, this opera was destined to stand out and challenge the status quo of both opera and society.” —Cincinnati Enquirer
New Opera by Purchase Instructor & US Poet Laureate
Cincinnati Opera has announced a commission of Castor and Patience by composer Gregory Spears and librettist Tracy K. Smith, US Poet Laureate
Composition Professor wins Two Opera America Awards
Kamala Sankaram wins two Opera Grants for Female Composers.
Jazz Instructor wins Musician and Record of the Year
Visiting Affiliate Artist Matt Wilson wins the Jazz Journalists Association Musician of the Year and Record of the Year awards.
Regina Spektor ’01 Featured on Poetry in America
In this public television series, she joins the likes of Bill Clinton, Samantha Power, Bono, and YoYoMa in immersive interpretations of a single American poem.
Alum’s Music Featured in International Commercial
Studio Composition Alumna Julia Capello’s (’17) music was featured in a recent Samsung Commercial.
Three Students Honored for Excellence by SUNY
Congratulations to seniors Dolan Wells Gallagher, Hayley Restivo, and Joy Marie Thompson for earning the 2018 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.
Purchase Professor Composes for Alvin Ailey
Purchase Studio Composition Professor Jakub Ciupinski is composing original music to be choreographed by Jessica Lang for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s residency at Lincoln Center.
Jazz Studies Onstage and On-Air in April
April bursts with jazz studies performances in New York City and recordings featured on WBGO Jazz 88.3fm.
Purchase Students Head to London
Purchase student Abrielle Scharff ’18 placed second in the Coffee Music Project and was offered an opportunity to perform in London.
Purchase Alum wins First Hildegard Composition Competition
Alumna, Kayla Cashetta ’14 (classical composition), won the National Sawdust’s first Hildegard Competition for female and non-binary composers.
A Peek Inside the Music & Technology Program
Peter Denenberg speaks about his career with the Spin Doctors and the Music & Technology Program at Purchase
Composition Faculty Sends Opera to the Schools
Houston Grand Opera takes Kamala Sankaram’s new opera on an outreach tour of 80-100 performances.
Composition Teacher Premieres New Opera
Gregory Spears’ opera Fellow Travelers had its New York premiere at the Prototype Festival, and received great reviews.
Purchase Opera Wins National Award
It’s the eighth award received by the National Opera Association.
Jazz Alum Releases “New Epic Recording”
Wayne Tucker ’09 releases Wake Up And See The Sun to rave reviews.
Composition Faculty feature
Broadway World Interviews Head of Classical Composition, Laura Kaminsky
Alumus Bruce Harris’ Debut Album Receives Rave Reviews
“You’re in for a treat. He’s got his game together in every way, shape, and form.”
New Album Influenced by Purchase
Black Populous, a new album by Adrian “AceMo” Mojica ’15, was influenced by his coursework with Phil Moffa.
Purchase Brass Ensemble to perform at 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
On Monday, September 11, the Purchase Brass Ensemble will perform at the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Kensico Dam.
Kamala Sankaram featured at Resonant Bodies Festival
New composition faculty member Kamala Sankaram speaks about her music on the Resonant Bodies Podcast in advance of her appearance at the festival.
Jazz Legend, John Abercrombie, Dies at 72
Purchase mourns the loss of our faculty member and the legendary jazz guitarist.
New Affiliate Artist in Jazz Finds Music in Sandburg’s Poetry
Our newest jazz affiliate artist, Matt Wilson, has released an album featuring the poetry of Carl Sandburg.
New affiliate artist in classical composition headlines PROTOTYPE Festival
Gregory Spears, a new affiliate artist in our classical composition program, is headlining PROTOTYPE, a progressive opera festival.
Purchase Faculty Among “Top 35 Female Classical Composers”
Current head of classical composition, Laura Kaminsky named among the Washington Post’s “top 35 female composers in classical music.”
Students reimagine Tchaikovsky
Purchase students and alumni from the Conservatories of Dance and Music release Odette’s Crown.
Jon Faddis uses social media to bring jazz to youth
Professor Jon Faddis broadcast live from Louis Armstrong’s house
Purchase guitar students discuss the contemporary musical landscape
Three Purchase students perform and discuss navigating the contemporary musical landscape.
Purchase in the News
Latest release by Pete Malinverni reviewed on Huffington Post.
Music by Dan Romer ’04 Featured in Netflix Movie
Netflix’s new film Chasing Coral features Dan Romer’s music, including a song performed by Kristen Bell.
VÉRITÉ, aka Kelsey Byrne ’12, Breaking Through
With over 100 million Spotify streams and her new album Somewhere In Between…
Purchase Dubbed a Music Scene
Cende is the latest band formed at Purchase to garner acclaim.
Ingrid Jensen’s New Album is a Family Affair
Ingrid Jensen, trumpeter extraordinaire and visiting affiliate artist in jazz studies, is currently touring her new album, Infinitude, with her sister Christine, husband Jon Wikan, guitar whiz Ben Monder, and bassist Fraser Hollins.
James Austin Smith leads tour to South Africa
James Austin Smith, co-artistic director of Decoda, leads a tour to South Africa to engage the finest, young South African classical musicians and explore how to make classical music more accessible to larger audiences.
American Opera Projects Celebrates Pride With Free Stream Of ‘As One’
Purchase composition professor Laura Kaminsky’s ground-breaking opera As One depicts the experiences of its sole transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she endeavors to resolve the discord between her self and the outside world.
Voice faculty member Joan Krueger has passed away
We mourn the loss of our dear friend and most generous colleague Joan Krueger.
Alumnus Gabriel Fridkis Wins Principal Flute in the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
In his first professional orchestra audition, alumnus Gabriel Fridkis (’16) wins the audition for Principal Flute in the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Laura Kaminsky to Compose “Opera for All Voices”
Professor Laura Kaminsky was awarded a commission to tell wide-ranging stories that resonate with all audiences, regardless of age or previous exposure to opera.
Leah Woods ’18 Merges Arts and Philanthropy
Starts the first US chapter of the student-run nonprofit Generocksity.
Silas Brown Speaks About Sound Production Education
“It’s really important to us that [students are] as multifaceted as possible because it’s so hard to make it in this business. The only way you’re going to do it is if you’re omnivorous and if you have a dozen skills that you’re really good at.” ~ Silas Brown
Glowing Reviews of Purchase Opera’s “The Crucible”
Purchase Opera and Purchase Symphony Orchestra’s recording of The Crucible has received glowing reviews from many publications including Opera News, American Record Guide and Audiophile Audition.
Purchase Opera Wins Two American Prizes
The Purchase Opera Department was awarded two American Prizes for their 2016 production of The Crucible.
Purchase Jazz Students Featured on WBGO
Purchase Jazz Combo, the Ahmad Jamal Tribute Group, were featured on WBGO 88.3FM in Newark, the NYC area’s only 24-hour jazz radio station during the on-air celebration of April, Jazz Appreciation Month.
David Bianciardi ’91
Entrepreneur working with major brands and architects to create digital installations in the physical world.
World Premiere Opera by Professor Laura Kaminsky
Laura Kaminsky’s new opera will be presented by the Houston Grand Opera in March.
Dan Deacon ’04 Collaborates with New York City Ballet
The critically acclaimed electronic composer adds a new genre to his portfolio: ballet.
Theater in the Now Features Music Alumnus Edward W. Hardy
Edward W. Hardy: Bachelor of Music – Purchase College, Cum Laude, 2010–14
Mitski Miyawaki ‘13
Purchase College alum and rising indie rock star, Mitski Miyawaki, made the TIME Magazine list of top 10 albums of 2016 for her newest album Puberty 2.
Folk Singer/Songwriter is a Storyteller at Heart
For singer/songwriter Hayley Restivo ’18 (studio composition and literature), connecting with an audience through storytelling is her favorite part of performing.
Alex Smith ’12 and Lady Gaga Deliver at the Superbowl
Alex Smith ’12 (MM, jazz studies) accompanied Lady Gaga during her outstanding rendition of the National Anthem to open Superbowl 50.