Inside the Mind of the Artist is a series of events — talks, Master Classes, concerts, and even festivals — throughout each academic year designed to enrich the experience of the Conservatory's musical community. For each event, we bring incredible guest artists to share their insights and talents. All IMA offerings take place at OCM at 7023 Cass Street and are free of charge and open to the public!
Check back later for information about our 2017-18 season!
The Conservatory's 2016-17 IMA program was made possible by Omaha Steaks.
Dr. Janka Krajciova, Ayumi Ohishi, and Dr. Elizabeth Grunin present an in-depth performance and discussion on Czech chamber music.
This beautiful selection from Dvorak to Martinu will give you an insight into the mind of the performers as they prepare the music, as well as the unique music characteristics.
Block, Dvorak, and Prokofiev each spread their wings on the American frontier, putting their stamp on our musical landscape. Featuring Russian-born Yulia Kalashnikova on Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1, come hear for yourself how the composers' time in the United States inspired their musical expression.
This Omaha duo is an exciting musical adventure with two artists, Jamie Reimer & Stacie Haneline, who perform literature that taps into the human spirit and mirrors everyday life.
From the sensual journey of love and life through Debussy’s Ariettes Oubliées to the poetic sadness and joy evoked in Enrique Granados' Canciones Amatorias, soprano Jamie Reimer and pianist Stacie Haneline explore their friendship and life’s journey with you for a night of true musical connection.
Passion, color, and exquisite musical language are featured in selections of Schubert Lieder. The evening concludes with Natural Selection, a song cycle by the award-winning American composer Jake Heggie.
What are the eight basic skills that every string player develop through daily practice? Originally outlined by Dorothy DeLay, Juilliard's master violin teacher, Ruth Meints will present exercises specifically designed to build these skills within a structured practice routine. Most applicable to violin/viola players Suzuki Book 2 (or equivalent) and above. Parents of beginning students would benefit from hearing the "end game" goals for their young musician as well.
If you are...
... THIS IS THE CLASS FOR YOU!
[ Most applicable to students who practice alone or caregivers who practice with their child regularly. ]
Consistently cited for his “sound imagination” and astonishing power, Markus Groh has confirmed his place among the finest pianists in the world today. Most recently, Mr. Groh has made stunning debuts with both the National Symphony in Washington, D.C. (Brahms Concerto No. 1 in D Minor) and the Cleveland Orchestra (Brahms Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat). In the words of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “Groh proved exceptionally well-suited to the giant task of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2… Not for a second did Groh lose his cool. Instead, he devoured the piece with sparing gestures and the apparent ease of a complete virtuoso.“
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This Master Class is made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Gordon H. Mundell in loving memory of Elvira E. García.
Fall culminates with a carnival for students to show off their performance, history, and theory skills to earn their treats! Booths are open from 9am-11am. Fall group classes will top off the day with a concert at 11:15am showcasing strings, voice, and piano ensembles.
SYMPOSIUM: Composition students get hands-on advice from our composers-in-residence in a group setting. Students will find ways expand their musical voice during 45-minute sessions with Stephen Hill and Jonathan David Neal.
COFFEE CHAT: Ever wonder what a composer thinks about when they're crafting those haunting melodies? Follow composers Neal and Hill through the process of how they created the beautiful orchestral pieces that are receiving their Nebraska premieres with Orchestra Omaha at 7pm Nov. 12.
String players encounter all kinds of shifts in their repertoire and are presented with many challenges in moving around their instrument quickly and accurately. Join Ruth Meints to learn about different types of shifts, when to use them, and how to practice for security in the shifting. If you have learned how to shift, this class would be of benefit to you!
Just like our actual voice, the tone of our musical instrument should have variation in depth, mood, and energy. Join Ruth Meints to learn the technical aspects of creating a beautiful tone, and ways to develop a diverse palette of tone colors.
Enjoy a five-course audible meal as we explore the ingredients of a recital. Program will feature:
Soprano Shelby VanNordstrand has appeared as a soloist with a wide range of ensembles and companies; including Lorin Maazel's Castleton Festival, New York Lyric Opera Theatre, Opera Omaha, Omaha Symphony, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Simon Estes Young Artist Program, and the Omaha Chamber Music Society.
Past operatic engagements include Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music (Castleton Festival), Gretel in Hansel and Gretel (Opera Omaha), Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel (Opera Omaha), Paquette in Candide (Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre), Sally in Herman the Horse (Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre), and Cunegonde in Candide (Michigan State Opera Theatre).
Joshua Roman has earned an international reputation for his wide-ranging repertoire, a commitment to communicating the essence of music in visionary ways, artistic leadership and versatility. As well as being a celebrated performer, he is recognized as an accomplished composer, curator, and programmer.
In a multifaceted 2015-16 season, Roman will premiere his own Cello Concerto with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and subsequently perform it with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. In April 2016, he begins a residency with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, as part of which he will perform the Mason Bates Cello Concerto. Roman premiered this work with Seattle Symphony in 2014, and will perform it with various orchestras throughout the 2015-16 season. He will pursue his artistic vision both as Artistic Director of TownMusic at Town Hall Seattle and as Artistic Advisor of Seattle’s Second Inversion. His plans for TownMusic include a presentation of his own song cycle, … we do it to one another, based on Tracy K. Smith’s book of poems “Life on Mars,” with soprano Jessica Rivera. He also continues to perform classics of the repertoire, and in February makes his debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra playing Dvorák’s beloved Cello Concerto.
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The Conservatory, in partnership with the Omaha Symphony, invites you to join us Saturday morning as Mr. Roman shares his insights with everyone while working with select Conservatory cello students at this IMA event sponsored by Margot Wickman-Bennett & Ed Bennett.
Join Dr. Boban Martic & friends for a special performance and discussion of pieces that became foundations for — and in some cases, their favorites among — a larger professional performance library. Program will feature:
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This IMA Coffee Chat is sponsored by Sheila Christ & Fred Vakili.
Hone your musical performance, analytical, and creative skills in this one-day workshop for all instruments. Featuring guest artists from around the country, students will experience a short version of our summer camp!
Conservatory violin alumna Jennifer Ahn, studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, returns to collaborate with Orchestra Omaha and the Conservatory Camarata for a special performance. Program to include:
From volunteering to donating, scholarship funding to estate planning, there's many ways you can help support the Conservatory's mission: building musical community through education and performance to enrich lives.
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