UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is a renowned institution that serves as a hub for music education and cultural events. As part of its mission to celebrate and disseminate diverse musical traditions, the school recently hosted a series of events focusing on the music of Iran, culminating in a concert titled \"Diār\" on Sunday, May 21, 2023. This concert, held at Schoenberg Hall, was curated by Shahab Paranj, a new postdoctoral scholar at the school. \"Diār\" showcased a blend of traditional Persian music and world premieres by composers such as Paranj himself, Reza Vali, Ian Krouse, and Richard Danielpour. The concert attracted a full house and was part of a broader weekend of activities related to Iranian music, which included a pre-concert lecture on Persian instruments, a performance by the Music of Persia Ensemble, and a post-concert panel on non-Eurocentric musical composition. These events were supported by the Farhang Foundation and highlighted the school's commitment to fostering an understanding and appreciation of non-Western musical traditions.\n\nIn addition to its focus on world music, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music also engages with the local music scene, as evidenced by an event held on May 16, 2023. Jens Lindemann, along with the Matt Catingub JazzPops Orchestra, performed at the Catalina Bar & Grill, a historic Hollywood venue known for hosting jazz greats. The performance featured prominent UCLA affiliates, including DMA student Andrew Rodman, alumnus Mike Cottone, trombone professor James Miller, and saxophone professor Jan Berry Baker. The award-winning UCLA trumpet studio sextet also graced the stage, showcasing the talent nurtured by the school. The concert included a new arrangement of George Gershwin's \"Rhapsody in Blue\" with pianist Ian Parker and a piece by Shostakovich, marking a first for the Catalina Bar & Grill. The event was documented with a photo essay capturing candid moments and the performers' preparations.\n\nThe UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, through events like \"Diār\" and the jazz performance at Catalina Bar & Grill, demonstrates its dedication to providing a platform for both the study and performance of a wide array of musical genres. It supports a vibrant community of students, alumni, and faculty who contribute to the cultural landscape both within the university and in the broader Los Angeles area. The school continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in music education and performance, fostering a dynamic environment where music can be experienced in all its forms.