University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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MUSIC AS THE LAST STRAINS OF WAGNER’S STIRRING overture to “Tannhauser” floated across Orchestra Hall, on the afternoon of Easter Sunday, the finale of another season of the greatest achievement of the University of Miami School of Music since its inception five years ago had come to a glorious close, until another year, when Miami will again become the musical center of the southland. This is the achievement of the School of Music, it has produced the ‘ greatest symphony orchestra south of Philadelphia”. It is fast making Miami a center of music. The history of the symphony orchestra, with all of its troubles and difficulties is also a history of the School of Music. Both were founded in 1926. The University of Miami Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of Arnold Volpe. has developed from the original band of 25 musicians, mostly students and amateurs, and has increased in scope so that now its membership numbers 70 musicians, and is in a position to present to discriminating music lovers of this country a unique and complete organization of the highest standard. The following year the membership of the orchestra was increased to about 35, being joined by members of the Miami Federation of Musicians. Encouraged by the steady growth and appreciation of audiences, the University of Miami authorities decided to further expand the scope and work. Last year with the co-operation of the Miami Federation of Musicians and a membership of 60 players the symphony orchestra took on a strictly professional aspect, and gave its first regular course in subscription concerts. During the past winter eight subscription concerts have been given by the orchestra before large audiences in the Orchestra Hall of Miami High School. One special concert was given in March in honor of the convention of Music Clubs meeting in Miami. One of the most pleasing features of the symphony concerts has been the appearance of guest artists with the orchestra. Mr. Volpe has been very fortunate in securing his soloists, all of whom are of national prominence and rare musical ability. Such noted artists as Mana Zucca, N'aoum Blinder, Julian de Gray, Nina Koshetz. Sol Xemkovsky, Cameron McLean, Hannah Spiro Asher, George Morgan, Serge Borowski. and Helen Flanagan have assisted as soloists at these concerts.

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AC H1 EYE MIHT

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Few men could have been found so well fitted by education and experience to develop a symphony orchestra group as has Mr. Volpe. Born in Russia, Mr. Volpe received his musical education at the Imperial Conservatory in Petrograd, where he came under the influence of the great masters, Tschaikowsky and Rubenstein. Coming to New York at an early age, he won instant success as a conductor. The next accomplishment, as to importance, of the University of Miami musical unit in its bid to make Miami a musical center, was the presentation of daily orchestra and band concerts in the City of Miami Bayfront Park, commencing in November and lasting into February of this year. During this time the University Concert Orchestra, under the direction of William Kopp, former assistant conductor of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Miami Concert Band, conducted by Walter Shaffer, put on daily concerts and fora time twice daily. With the University Singers, composed of Helen Flanagan, Sara Requa, Percy Long, and Robert Topping, stage presentation, solo numbers, and excerpts from operas were given in the park. One of the distinguishing features of these concerts was that the conductors selected only pieces approved by sound musical taste. The opening of new quarters for the downtown branch of the conservatory was an important step taken by the music department this year. The former Miramar School occupying an entire block on N.E. 2nd Avene between 14th and 15th Streets is now the preparatory school of the conservatory. Its large grounds and spacious patios make a delightful setting for the numerous studios where every branch of music and dancing is taught. An unusual feature of the downtown headquarters of the conservatory which is so accessible to all parts of Miami and Miami Beach, is the Recital Hall seating about 230 people. This hall which meets a need was made possible through the generosity of a friend of the music department. Another fine gift for the conservatory was a Bechstein grand piano. The Junior Symphony orchestra, under Walter Grossman’s direction, has been making splendid progress. Young musicians are given actual experience in ensemble playing both