Pianist

Vocalist

Master Class: John Churchwell, collaborative piano and vocal coaching

Temple University

In this sweeping program centered on the beauty of the natural world, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen lends his “ravishing, otherworldly” (Opera News) voice to an exciting collection of familiar and fresh songs. Nussbaum Cohen enjoys venturing beyond the usual countertenor repertoire, and has carved out a unique path by being the only artist of his voice type to record lieder in the Austro-Germanic tradition by Brahms, Clara and Robert Schumann, and Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

EPSG:4326

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, countertenor John Churchwell, piano

University of California, Berkeley

With this moving program, countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen opens up new paths for his voice type. From Korngold and Schumann to works from Nussbaum Cohen’s Jewish heritage, songs by Black American composers, and a new work composed for this program by leading American composer, Jake Heggie, this program is a departure from the standard countertenor repertory and promises to create a memorable evening.

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, counter-tenor

The Menil Collection

In this sweeping program centered around the beauty found in nature, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen brings his “astonishingly beautiful” (The Guardian) tone to a wide range of repertoire. Heightened by the deeply sensitive playing of pianist John Churchwell, the program includes Korngold’s rarely performed Songs of Farewell; Robert Schumann’s Liederkreis Op. 39; works from Nussbaum Cohen’s Jewish heritage; songs by Black American composers Leslie Adams and Florence Price; and a new work by leading American composer Jake Heggie. Having recently recorded the program’s German song repertoire—never before recorded by a countertenor—this departure from the standard repertory of the voice type promises to create a moving and memorable evening.


Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Countertenor John Churchwell, Piano

Carnegie Hall

Join us for an enriching musical experience at the Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass led by the esteemed John Churchwell, co-director of the Vocal Institute. This event is a highlight of the Music Academy of the West's summer festival, offering a unique opportunity to observe fellows work closely with their mentors. Dive into the world of music-making and learn technical tricks while getting to know the incredible personalities and philosophies of our teaching artists.

**Event Details:**
- **Date:** Thursday, August 1
- **Time:** 3:30 PM
- **Location:** Hahn Hall, Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara, CA
- **Tickets:** Available now. Free for ages 7-17, $10 regular price.

**About the Masterclass:**
The Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass with John Churchwell is part of a series designed to showcase the roots of mastery in vocal performance. John Churchwell, with his extensive background as a leading collaborative pianist and Head of Music for San Francisco Opera, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the stage. This masterclass is not just about vocal techniques but also about the stories and philosophies behind the music.

**Special Offer:**
Get more for less with our Masterclass Voucher Pack. Purchase 20 classes for $150 and immerse yourself in the world of vocal mastery.

**Program and Artists:**
The program for the masterclass will be announced, featuring John Churchwell as the co-director of the Vocal Institute. His residency during the festival weeks 0-8 marks a special opportunity for attendees to learn from one of the best in the field.

**Reserve Your Spot:**
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a musical journey that delves deep into the art of vocal performance. Tickets are on sale now for this one-time event on August 1 at Hahn Hall. Whether you're a budding vocalist, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of opera and vocal performance, this masterclass is an event you won't want to miss.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Music Academy of the West's website or contact the Carsey Ticket Office at 805-969-8787. Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass with John Churchwell.

Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass

Music Academy of the West

Today’s most celebrated bel canto tenor joins us as a Mosher guest artist to perform a recital themed ‘Songs of My Youth,’ featuring arias from his signature roles, Italian art songs, and spirituals, with teaching artist JOHN CHURCHWELL on the piano.

Lawrence Brownlee & Jonathan Churchwell

Join us for an extraordinary evening featuring the world-renowned teaching artists of the Music Academy of the West. This showcase presents an opportunity to experience the virtuosity and artistry of our esteemed faculty in an intimate setting.

Teaching Artists At The Lobero

Lobero Theatre

Join us for an enchanting evening at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM, as the Music Academy of the West presents the Teaching Artists Showcase. This special event features a curated program of chamber music and art song, performed by the academy's distinguished teaching artists. 

Experience the beauty and complexity of classical music through pieces by Franz Danzi, Maurice Ravel, Christopher Cerrone, and an arrangement of Richard Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder by Alain Bonardi. The showcase will highlight the talents of Timothy Day (flute), Eugene Izotov (oboe), Richie Hawley (clarinet), Benjamin Kamins (bassoon), Jennifer Montone (horn), Martin Beaver (violin), Alan Stepansky (cello), Natasha Kislenko (piano), Michael Werner (percussion), Conor Hanick (piano), Sasha Cooke (mezzo-soprano), Yoonshin Song (violin), Sibbi Bernhardsson (violin), Milan Milisavljević (viola), David Geber (cello), and John Churchwell (piano).

Ticket Information:
- Section A Aisle: $60
- Section A: $55
- Section B Aisle: $45
- Section B: $40
(Ticket prices include a per ticket Lobero Facility Fee; other fees may also apply.)

Reserved seating is available, ensuring you have the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the music. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the artistry of the Music Academy’s teaching artists in one of the most beautiful theaters in the world, as praised by Architectural Digest.

For tickets and more information, visit the Lobero Theatre's website or contact the box office. Prepare for an unforgettable night of classical music that celebrates the talent and dedication of teaching artists and their contribution to the arts.

Teaching Artists Showcase

**Event Title:** x2: II - Music Academy of the West Chamber Music Series

**Date & Time:** Thursday, June 27, 7:30 PM

**Venue:** Hahn Hall, Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

**Description:**
Join us for an unforgettable evening of chamber music at the prestigious Music Academy of the West. This special event, part of the x2 Series, showcases the ultimate masters of chamber music as our esteemed teaching artists perform side-by-side with our incredibly talented fellows. This series of inspiring performances is a testament to the collaborative spirit and exceptional artistry that the Music Academy is renowned for.

**Program Highlights:**
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Wind Quintet in E-flat Major
- Ralph Vaughan Williams: On Wenlock Edge
- Franz Schubert: Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (The Shepherd on the Rock), D. 965
- Arnold Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night)

The concert will feature a diverse repertoire, promising an evening of rich musical exploration lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

**Featured Artists:**
- Dennis Michel, bassoon
- Julie Landsman, horn
- Tamar Sanikidze, head of vocal piano
- Richie Hawley, clarinet
- And many more talented musicians from our faculty and fellowship program.

**Special Offer:**
This event qualifies you for a free pre-concert picnic. Upon seat selection, you will be prompted to add this option, allowing you to select a table and enjoy a delightful outdoor dining experience before the performance.

**Ticket Information:**
- Community Access: FREE for ages 7-17
- Regular Price: Starting at $45
- Tickets are available for purchase now. Don't miss the chance to secure your spot for this remarkable musical gathering.

**Additional Information:**
For any inquiries, please contact the Carsey Ticket Office at 805-969-8787 or email TicketOffice@musicacademy.org. Parking is free for events and activities held at the Music Academy.

Experience the harmony of tradition and innovation as we celebrate the power of music to connect and transform. We look forward to welcoming you to an evening that promises to leave a lasting impression.

x2: II

The enchanting power of voice takes center stage with leading operatic mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke in an intimate recital.

Vocal Radiance

The Church of Bethesda-By-The Sea

Our most accessibly priced series gives audiences a glimpse into our fellows’ journey to classical greatness. It’s an opportunity to observe a one-on-one teaching session between teaching artist and fellow.

Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass: John Churchwell

Imagine as an aspiring tennis pro, you get an hour on the court with Venus Williams or Rafael Nadal. Or, as an emerging golf talent, hitting the links with Tiger Woods? x2 is the classical music version of this dream – realized before a live audience. This unique series features our Academy Artists paired with the brilliant 2023 fellows – the energy is explosive as emerging talents dance with legends.

x2: Ana María Martínez & Takács Quartet

The Music Academy’s brilliant fellows join internationally acclaimed soprano Ana María Martínez and the Takács Quartet in a performance including works from Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Johannes Brahms to Héctor Campos Parsi and Federico Moreno Torroba. The energy is explosive as emerging talents play with legends.

Takács Quartet 

The Mosher guest artist concerts are generously supported by the Mosher Foundation.

Mosher Guest Artists Concert Series: Susanna Phillips

Academy artists paired with the brilliant 2022 fellows. Starring alumna mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke in a World Premiere by Tom Cipullo

Pianist, Vocalist

John Churchwell

Events

Past events

Jan 30, 2026

Master Class: John Churchwell, collaborative piano and vocal coaching · Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance

Sep 27, 2025

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, countertenor John Churchwell, piano · Cal Performances

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