New England Conservatory of Music - Neume Yearbook (Boston, MA)

Page 13 text:

DR. JAMES ALIFERIS President As I was about to write this statement for the NEUME, my eye fell upon the following phrase in a review of a Conservatory concert — the thrilling pitch of eloquence . The reviewer ' s use of this phrase is, I believe, one which describes very well an important accomplishment that the Conservatory tries to attain. I hope that members of the graduating class will always remember and keep it close to their hearts, for music, more than any other expression of man, is able to communicate and reach all — both old and young, rich and poor — because of its thrilling pitch of eloquence . May you enjoy this blessing throughout the life that you will devote to music. 9

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5n y lemorLam . . . Drop Thy still dews oi quietness, Till all our strivings cease; Take from our souls the strain and stress, And let our ordered lives confess The beauty of Thy peace. — Whittier On January 29, 1961, a heart attack claimed the life of a genuinely devoted faculty member, Simone Riviere. An instructor of French and diction at the Conservatory since 1935, she earned her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Law and Master of Law Degrees from Bordeaux University. A Certificate of Paris was obtained from the Institute of Phonetics and the Psalmes Academiques from the French government for achievement in teaching. Simone Riviere headed the French department of Chestnut Hill School and the Choote School in Brookline along with the Boston Center for Adult Education. She gave programs of French dramatic recitations and songs throughout various French organizations in New Englan d. Busily engaged in radio broadcast work, through 1956-1958, Simone Riviere was in charge of the French Hour, and during the second World War gave French broadcasts over the short-wave French Foreign Station. Dr. Charles Munch paid tribute to Madame Riviere from the stage of Symphony Hall in 1955 for teaching French Diction to a chorus of two hundred persons. The memory of Madame Simone Riviere will always be hallowed in the hearts of her students for her patience, understanding, and warm charm. To the sorrow of us all, we humbly regret her sudden demise. 8

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I wish to say thank you to the members of the class of 1961 for the fine spirit you have shown and the contribution you have made to the Conservatory during the past four years, and with yout assistance there were many fine performances. I welcomed you on your arrival, and now, as you take your leave, I wish you Godspeed for the greatest of success in the future. Chester W. Williams Executive Dean Dean of the Graduate Division President John F. Kennedy has described the years just ahead as a new frontier. The class of 1961, and the classes immediately following, will have a role in the conquest of that frontier. The future of humanity rests on the hope that your pioneering road will lead to an enlightened world. A successful journey requires technical competence, artistic inspiration, personal in- tegrity and honor — and purpose. Along the way toward your goals, there will be challenges to meet and difficulties to overcome. Such roadblocks need cause only temporary ' detours if you possess a strong and sure sense of direction. I extend congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 1961. David Hicks Deaii of the Undergraduate Division