CU-Boulder students, faculty to fete Sher at Boettcher, Macky concerts
After 20 years as dean of the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, Daniel P. Sher will step away from the post in June — but he isn’t going quietly.
First, student musicians at the college will dedicate their performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver on Wednesday to the outgoing dean.
“I can think of no music better suited for this than … the monumental Ninth Symphony by Beethoven, which has been integral to many important events since its premiere,” says Gary Lewis, director of orchestral studies and conductor for the Wednesday concert. The program, which also includes Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80,” “is truly a celebration of Dan Sher’s tenure as dean of the college.”
The celebration will continue May 2 with a free, public musical fete by faculty performers at Macky Auditorium, including world premiere performances of “Sher’s Originals,” penned by faculty composers.
Sher came to CU-Boulder from Louisiana State University in 1993. During his tenure, the college added programs in jazz studies and collaborative piano, as well as the Entrepreneurship Center for Music. It also became one of the most respected music programs in the nation, ranking among the top 25 in the Fiske Guide to Colleges for many years running.
“Without a doubt under Dan’s tenure as dean, the College of Music has become one of the nation’s leading university music programs,” says John Davis, associate dean for administration and director of jazz studies.
WHAT: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, performed by CU-Boulder College of Music symphony orchestra and choirs, conducted by Gary Lewis, dedicated to outgoing Dean Daniel P. Sher
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
TICKETS: $15 general admission, $20 reserved
INFO: www.cupresents.org or 303-492-8008
WHAT: A CU-Boulder College of Music faculty concert in honor of Dean Daniel P. Sher
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 2
WHERE: Macky Auditorium, CU-Boulder campus
TICKETS: Free and open to the public