Stepping on campus, Eric Wang knew he wanted to pursue a track of study connected to research and medicine. Initially leaning toward a Chemistry or Biology major, that trajectory changed his sophomore year — thanks to Bass Connections. “Before joining the Language, Music and Dementia project team, I only saw music as an artistic endeavor and didn’t realize that it could literally shape the physical structure and functional networks of the brain,” the senior confesses. “That was my ‘aha moment’ and the… read more about When Research Hits the Right Notes »
The final weeks of the semester may whirl like snowflakes in a brisk December wind, but the Duke Chorale has spent this season grounding the Duke community in moments of melody, stillness, and shared joy. Their music has threaded through chapel aisles, hospital corridors, and celebratory gatherings, each appearance adding another note to a campus-wide chorus of warmth and goodwill.This year, three major holiday celebrations shaped their festive journey: the Duke Chorale Holiday Concert, the 35th Annual Tree of Hope Lighting… read more about Duke Chorale Shares the Sound of the Season Across Campus and Community »
Duke’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences has invited its faculty to submit proposals for the creation of new research initiatives on campus.Following the successful launches of the SPACE Initiative and the Society-Centered AI Initiative, the Trinity Research Initiative will support new directions for interdisciplinary research through seed funding for nascent research collaborations, community-building, and complementary educational and outreach activities.Open to all areas of research and… read more about Trinity College of Arts & Sciences Invites Proposals for New Research Initiatives »
Young performers from the community — roughly 70 singers from Durham School of the Arts and 25 student musicians from the Duke String School — joined in at Duke Chapel for Duke’s annual holiday concert, known as the Holiday Chorale.The concert on Dec. 2 featured uplifting choral selections from around the world, all centered on themes of life, peace and light for a holiday spirit.In keeping with tradition, the event also supported a local nonprofit. For the past few years the Chorale community has… read more about Duke Chorale Concert Features Young Singers From Durham »
On November 15, rising baritone and Duke Music Alum Thandolwethu Mamba stepped onto the Kennedy Center stage for a milestone moment—his house and role debut as Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro with Washington National Opera. It was a one-night-only performance that placed the spotlight squarely on the Cafritz Young Artists, transforming the evening into a celebration of possibility, passion, and artistic excellence.For Mamba, the experience was nothing short of life-changing… read more about A Dream Realized: Thandolwethu Mamba’s Triumphant Debut as Count Almaviva »
Every December, Duke Chapel comes alive with song, community and a shared spirit of generosity. The Duke University Chorale’s annual holiday concert — fondly known as the Holiday Chorale — is far more than a seasonal tradition. It’s an evening of music with a mission: to bring people together in service to others. The Duke University Chorale is the primary choral group of the Department of Music at Duke. Each year, their annual Holiday concert fills Duke Chapel with audience members… read more about In Service to Others: Duke Chorale’s Holiday Tradition of Giving Back »
One of the philosophies guiding John Supko’s research endeavors is that technology is not a replacement for human creativity but a partner in conversation. In his recent tgiFHI talk, “Maybe Modernism Can Save Us,” the Associate Professor of Music at Duke explored how artistic values drawn from the 20th century might guide our use of artificial intelligence today in more complex and serendipitous ways.For Supko, modernism can effectively be seen as a model for how to think, not just how to make art. “Those works of art… read more about John Supko on Artistic Expression in the Age of AI »
The John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute has worked closely with undergraduates and graduate students across our various interdisciplinary programs and projects. This week’s spotlight focuses on the work of Trisha Santanam, a Duke University senior studying English and Music, and whose critical and creative encounters with both genres extend into new forms of communication. You can read more about her research endeavors below:Do you ever find yourself analyzing contemporary music in the same way, or do you try to… read more about Student Spotlight: Trisha Santanam on Literature, Music and the Power of the Humanities »
On November 9, strains of music from across North Africa, West Africa and the Middle East will fill Baldwin Auditorium as the Duke Chorale hosts Tunisia88 Alumni Choir in a joint concert celebrating peace and freedom.This is Tunisia88 Alumni Choir’s first tour in the United States, and the performance at Duke is the final stop before they return home. “This collaboration was suggested by Duke alumna Veronica Bulgari, who is friends with the leader of Tunisia88,” said Allan Friedman, director of the Duke… read more about Music Crossing Borders: The Duke Chorale and Tunisia88 In Concert »
An orchestra of medical professionals in Durham, North Carolina, used YPCCC’s research to transform a musical concert into a call for climate action. read more about Harnessing the Power of Music and Public Opinion to Inspire Climate Engagement »
The celebrated pianist and composer Conrad Tao inaugurated the second season of Nova Linea Musica last week, with an electrifying performance at Guarneri Hall in Chicago. The program was a bold exploration of the intersection between piano and electronics, reflecting Tao's reputation for expanding the possibilities of the concert stage.A Season-Opening StatementAt the heart of the evening was a piece composed by our very own John Supko, … read more about Conrad Tao Performs Work by John Supko »
For organist and harpsichordist Clara Gerdes, inspiration struck at just 13 years old in a Charlotte church.“When I was 13 or so, I went to an organ concert at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, and the program included the organ's stop list,” she recalls. “I was absolutely amazed by the complexity and all the sound possibilities. I couldn't stop thinking about it. After that, I knew that I HAD to take lessons!”That spark ignited a path that has taken Gerdes from her native North Carolina to… read more about Clara Gerdes Joins Duke University Music Faculty »
The Duke Department of Music is delighted to welcome Clara Rottsolk to the faculty. An accomplished soprano and sought-after interpreter of early and modern repertoire, Clara brings a wealth of performance experience and artistry to her new role. Known for her expressive style and dedication to teaching, she is eager to share her knowledge and inspire the next generation of musicians. We are excited to have her join our community and look forward to the impact she will make. Read below to learn more about Clara's journey!… read more about Clara Rottsolk Joins Duke University Music Faculty »
The Duke Department of Music is thrilled to announce the addition of Andrea Moore to its faculty. A lifelong musician and dedicated scholar, Andrea brings both passion and expertise to her new role. Her journey through music has been shaped by formative early influences, a deep commitment to voice study, and a career devoted to sharing the transformative power of music. We are excited for the talent, energy, and vision she will contribute to our community. Read below to learn more about Andrea's journey!For … read more about Andrea Moore Joins Duke University Music Faculty »
This is part of a series of stories about our newest Blue Devils.Coming from Waukesha, a small suburb outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alice Chen wants a sense of belonging. It’s one of the reasons she chose to take part in Project BUILD, one of Duke’s 21 Experiential Orientation programs that incoming students can participate in during orientation week.“I was apprehensive about coming into a new community so quickly,” said Chen. “I felt like participating in a strongly established program like BUILD, which has really good… read more about Alice Chen Hopes to Build Community Through Volunteer Work in Durham »
Abigail Pickens decided on Duke because of the strong interdisciplinary opportunities that allow her to major in both Biology and Music at the same level of scholarship. Entering her final year, the senior has consistently been able to immerse herself in scientific research while continuing to develop her musical talents.Pickens traces her affinity for science to her high school AP Biology class, where she developed a love for research that followed her to Duke. From her first year on campus, she has been involved with… read more about Molecular Melodies »
This year marks a special milestone for Duke's Department of Music as David Heid celebrates his 30th year on faculty. Known for his dynamic presence in the classroom, on stage, and behind the piano, Heid has been an inspiring force in the university’s musical community for three decades. In this in-depth interview, Heid reflects on his journey to Duke, his teaching philosophy, and what keeps him inspired after all these years.A Career in HarmonyQ: What is your current job title?D. Heid:… read more about Celebrating 30 Years of Music and Mentorship: An Interview with David Heid »
Scott Lee (Ph.D. 2018) has been awarded Second Prize in the 2024/2025 Jâca Emerging Composers Competition for “Evasive Maneuvers,” written for clarinet and guitar.Jâca is the award-winning duo of Wesley Ferreira and Jaxon Williams. “I’m honored to be awarded in the competition, but I’m most excited that I’ll get to work with Wesley and Jaxon in a performance of the work,” said Lee. “They’ll be only the second duo to perform it, so I hope this will lead to broader exposure for the piece.”Originally written for Silviu Ciulei… read more about Scott Lee (Ph.D. 2018) Wins Jâca Emerging Composers Prize for Clarinet and Guitar Piece »
Bradley Simmons, director of the Duke Djembe and Afro-Cuban Ensembles, passed away on May 22, 2025. Since 1998, Simmons taught West African and Afro-Cuban music at Duke, using instructional methods steeped in a rich oral tradition passed down through generations of musicians. “We are deeply saddened,” said Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, chair of the department of Music. “Bradley’s extraordinary passion, rhythmic brilliance and generous spirit left an indelible mark on generations of students and on our department.… read more about In Memoriam: Bradley Simmons (November 14, 1951 – May 22, 2025) »
For many people, the to-do list, the calendar, the overscheduled busy-ness of life can be overwhelming. There are some ways to tune out all that, and one musician found that improvising — playing with others without sheet music or a conductor — helped her be fully in the moment.Here & Now's Scott Tong speaks to Nina Moske, who is a flutist and recent graduate of Duke University, about how playing improvisational music has helped her escape the clock. She wrote about it in the Washington Post.This segment… read more about Duke Music Alum Finds Focus Through Musical Improvisation »
The following is a partial list of national, university, school and departmental awards presented to the members of the Class of 2025. In some awards where there are multiple winners, only members of the Class of 2025 are included. read more about Department Honors and Laurels for the Class of 2025 »
The arts play an important part of the Duke student educational experience, providing exceptional performing opportunities. The benefits extend to the wider community outside of Duke, from the many community members who are entertained by the students’ concerts, plays, dances, films and exhibits.Some of these young artists are heading into career in the arts; most will head into other fields. But all student artists will carry the memories of the art they did at Duke for the rest of their lives.Below are snapshots of a few… read more about The Class of 2025’s Got Talent »
Ten exceptional faculty members received the prestigious Bass Chairs, marking their induction into the Bass Society of Fellows. This honor recognizes their contributions to undergraduate teaching and research.The newly named chairs were celebrated during a reception at the Washington Duke Inn, where President Vincent Price, Provost Alec Gallimore and Vice Provost Candis Watts Smith offered remarks. They reflected on the qualities that define Bass Fellows, congratulated the new chairs, and expressed gratitude to the Bass… read more about Six Trinity Faculty Named 2025 Bass Chairs »
The Ciompi Quartet’s spring break was both exciting and action-packed. Less than 24 hours after landing in Shanghai, we performed our first concert at the China Europe International Business School. Alongside works by Schubert and Beethoven, we premiered “Encounters,” a piece based on the Chinese folk tune 兰花花 (Lan Hua Hua), commissioned by composer Maximiliano Amici. Amici, who earned his PhD in composition from Duke, now serves as an Assistant Professor at Duke Kunshan University (DKU). We also… read more about Ciompi Quartet Reflections: Spring Break in China »
The acclaimed Orange Road Quartet joined Duke for a weekend of enriching string quartet workshops and an exhilarating evening concert. Duke University’s Music Graduate Student Association (MGSA), in collaboration with Music Composition Ph.D. student Erich Barganier, proudly hosted the acclaimed Orange Road Quartet for a weekend of enriching string quartet workshops and an exhilarating evening concert featuring brand-new compositions by the university's music composition students.… read more about Duke Welcomes Orange Road Quartet for Groundbreaking Workshop and Concert Event »
During the spring semester, the Duke Chorale embarked on its Spring Break Tour to Charleston, SC, and Davidson, NC. The tour was filled with meaningful experiences, including three concerts that raised thousands of dollars for local charities. The Chorale also had the opportunity to learn from leaders at Mother Emanuel AMEC in Charleston, including teachings from their music director and a history lesson from the church historian. The Chorale would like to thank Duke Arts for their generous funding of this tour.Read… read more about Student Reflections from the Spring 2025 Duke Chorale Tour »
For over 35 years, the Benenson Awards in the Arts has provided Duke undergraduates with funding to pursue summer arts training, research, or projects. But what happens after the grant? How does that experience shape an individual’s creative journey years down the line? We reached out to four Duke alums who received Benenson Awards to hear where they are today. From launching professional opportunities to shaping new creative directions, their stories reveal the lasting impact of this grant on their professional and… read more about From Grant to Growth: Duke Music Alum Reflects on Benenson Award »
Last year, Maya Kronfeld had the satisfaction of seeing Nicole Zuraitis’ How Love Begins, on which she played keyboards, win a GRAMMY Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album.Fast forward to Sunday night and the 2025 GRAMMY Awards. Once again, an album featuring Kronfeld as keyboardist – Taylor Eigsti’s Plot Armor – won for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. The recording also features jazz icons Terence Blanchard, Lisa Fischer and many others. Participating in two GRAMMY-winning albums in as many years is… read more about Literature Professor Has the Grammy Magic for Second Year in a Row »
In early December with the fall semester coming to an end, two students — Ryan Henderson, and Margo O’Meara — showed up for Bradley Simmons’ djembe class at the Mary Duke Biddle Music Building on East Campus.O’Meara, a senior psychology major from St. Louis, is playing the goblet-shaped djembe drum, and Henderson, a senior physics major from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is playing accompaniment on the dundun and sangban drums.For a little more than three decades, Simmons has taught classes in West African and Afro-Cuban music… read more about The Meaningful Sounds of the Djembe Drum »