Nazareth School of Music hosts master classes with world-renowned musicians
Nearly 250 middle school, high school, and college musicians filled two performance halls at Nazareth University for rare opportunities to learn from two of the world’s finest musicians — violinist Maxim Vengerov and pianist Polina Osetinskya. The performers were in Rochester for the first time to perform with the University’s Symphony Orchestra for a capacity crowd at Nazareth’s Glazer Music Performance Center on November 21.
Student musicians came for master classes from school districts in the Rochester and Syracuse areas and from Nazareth’s School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Roberts Wesleyan University, The Hochstein School, and Kanack School of Musical Artistry.
Most students came to observe and learn from the masterclasses, but a select few were able to play for the famed guests. “The few students who earned a performance had to audition and be selected by our faculty,” said Raúl Munguia, conductor of Nazareth’s Symphony Orchestra. “It’s an honor to perform for guest artists of the caliber of Vengerov and Osetinskya.”
Eliza Gardner ’28, a Nazareth music major from Rochester chosen to play for Vengerov, said, “Playing for such a talented violinist was an amazing experience, and hearing his constructive feedback was so helpful."
Cynthia McDonald ’26G, a Nazareth master’s in piano performance and pedagogy student from Maryland, considers herself lucky to perform for pianist Osetinskya. “It was definitely a worthwhile experience and a great opportunity working with Polina. She shared excellent insight from her performance background and gave us all great advice, especially in encouraging us to fully listen to the inner details in our playing."
History and political science major Michael Coles ’25 of Rochester is a music minor with a violin emphasis. He was honored to have the opportunity to attend a masterclass. “It was a gripping, yet invigorating display of musicality that will stick with me and the other prodigious young students who attended for decades to come."
For More Information
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Violinist Maxim Vengerov responds to the playing of Nazareth musician Eliza Gardner '28 in front of an audience of student musicians from around the area.