Oberlin College and Conservatory’s popular Convocation Series will begin the year with a free public lecture and Q&A session featuring Atlanta Symphony Music Director and Conservatory faculty member Robert Spano. A 1984 graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Spano will be speaking about “The State of the Art,” drawing on his personal experiences and professional career to highlight new ways creative musicians can forge careers in the arts.
Widely known as a conductor, composer, pianist, and pedagogue Spano’s career defines success. The Q&A will be facilitated by Conservatory Dean Andrea Kalyn. The lecture will be held in Finney Chapel on Thursday, September 14 at 7:30pm.
Widely known as a conductor, composer, pianist, and pedagogue, Spano is beginning his 17th season with the Atlanta Symphony. During his tenure, the symphony has won six Grammy Awards and performed in concert halls around the world. His recording projects bear labels from Deutsche Grammophon, Telarc, and ASO Media. A passionate advocate for new music, Spano founded the Atlanta School of Composers, which includes Michael Gandolfi, Adam Schoenberg, Christopher Theofanidis, and Jennifer Higdon. Spano also serves as Music Director for the Aspen Music Festival, where he oversees the programming of more than 300 events and leads the Aspen Conducting Academy.
After earning a Bachelors degree from Oberlin Conservatory, Spano completed his postgraduate studies at the Curtis Institute of Music. He holds honorary doctorates degrees from Bowling Green State University, the Curtis Institute of Music, Emory University and Oberlin. He makes his home in Atlanta.
The Convocation Series is sponsored by the Finney Lecture Committee and the Office of the Oberlin College President. —Hannah Schoepe