Three of CSU’s music faculty received 2023 American Prize recognition in the Instrumental Performance professional division.
The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nation’s most comprehensive series of contests in the classical arts. The prize is “nonprofit, unique in scope and structure, and is designed to evaluate, recognize and reward the best performers, ensembles, composers, directors, and administrators in the United States based on submitted recordings. There is no live competition, and no age limits." Learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org
- Dr. Megan Lanz, CSU Senior Instructor of Flute, has been awarded 2nd place for the Professional Instrumental Soloist Division.
- Dr. Stanley Curtis, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at CSU, has been awarded 2nd place in the Brass Performance Professional Division.
- Dr. Cayla Bellamy, Assistant Professor of Bassoon at CSU, was a finalist with an honorable mention in the Woodwinds Performance Professional Division.
Dr. Megan Lanz
Megan Lanz regularly finds inspiration in connecting with composers to commission and premier new works. The three works she submitted for the American Prize competition were Unbroken, by Kevin Poelking, House of Doors, by Sarah Bassingthwaighte, and Mnicakmun, by Linthicum-Blackhorse.
Listen and view Dr. Megan Lanz’s performances here:
- Unbroken, by Kevin Poelking
- House of Doors, by Sarah Bassingthwaighte
- Mnicakmun, by Linthicum-Blackhorse
Lanz commissioned Unbroken for flute and piano by CSU Professor Kevin Poelking with a premier of the piece at the Colorado State University Center for the Arts, Organ Recital Hall, in April 2022.
Notes on Unbroken from Kevin Poelking
When Dr. Megan Lanz first brought up the idea of collaborating on a new piece for flute, she was insistent and energetic about her willingness to try nearly anything. Unbroken explores the unique ability of both the flute and piano to perform both percussively and lyrically. The piece is written in a way that keeps the music in constant, restless, motion while creating contrast through unexpected moments, colors and techniques unique to the flute. Overall, Unbroken attempts to capture the spirit of musicians like Megan who are willing to jump into unknown territory and support new music with unrelenting enthusiasm.
“Thank you to Sarah Bassingthwaighte, Kevin Poelking, and Linthicum Blackhorse for their beautiful music. It is nice to be connected with my instrument – my voice,” said Lanz.
Dr. Stanley Curtis
Stanley Curtis has developed a multi-faceted career as a trumpeter, composer, and early music specialist. His award is based on his CD recording, Orbits of Infinity. “All of the pieces were inspired by space, its exploration, and our human understanding of it,” said Curtis.
The album features many CSU collaborators: soprano Tiffany Blake, pianists Bryan Wallick and Tim Burns, and percussionist Eric Hollenbeck. Two pieces on Orbits of Infinity were written by CSU composers: Cassini by Kevin Poelking, and Moonwatcher: Sonata for Trumpet and Piano by James M. David.
Excerpts from Dr. Stanley Curtis's Notes on Orbits of Infinity
The work, Cassini by Kevin Poelking, which appears on the album was commissioned by Curtis to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.
Moonwatcher: Sonata for Trumpet and Piano by James M. David, draws from the long history of myths and stories that were inspired by the moon from numerous world cultures.
Supernova 1054 is not really unaccompanied. Kevin Olson, formally a teacher at Colorado State University, wrote a new work for solo trumpet with computer accompaniment. The computer interacts with the soloist to create an evocative sound landscape.
“I’m thankful to the composers, my CSU collaborators, and humbled by the win,” said Curtis.
Dr. Cayla Bellamy
Cayla Bellamy is a performer, collaborator, and pedagogue dedicated to advancing the music field through redefining standard practices in the bassoon studio and chamber ensemble settings.
Dr. Bellamy's repertoire included live recital performances of two new premieres, "There and Back" by CSU's own Kevin Poelking and Nancy Hill Cobb's "Tumult and Tenacity." Both works are featured on her newest commercial album, American Bassoon Voices, now available on most streaming services.
Listen and view Dr. Bellamy's performances here:
- There and Back by Kevin Poelking
- Tumult and Tenacity by Nancy Hill Cobb
“I’m thrilled to be on the 2023 American Prize list with such talented musicians, including some fabulous colleagues and friends! Congratulations, all,” said Bellamy.