Announcements
Suki John, professor in the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance, has been nominated for a prestigious Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Feature Film for “Sh’ma: A Story of Survival.”
Over the last 30 years, John has developed “The Sh’ma Project: Move Against Hate,” a multidisciplinary body of work centered on education, empathy and resilience. Central to the project is “Sh’ma: A Story of Survival,” a choreodrama documenting her family’s traumatic experience and survival of the Holocaust.
“I’m extremely honored and surprised to be nominated for this award alongside feature films like Emilia Perez and Wicked,” said John. “’I’m very grateful to TCU for its support.”
Of all the nominations, John’s film is the only one told entirely through dance, conveying the full story without dialogue.
“Choreodrama is a genre I’ve worked with for some time, though it’s not very common in the United States,” explained John. “I see it as a way to communicate with a non-dance audience by creating dances where they can recognize the characters and themes, and where the music is transporting.”
Enrico Elisi, D.M.A., Harold D. and Imogen Herndon Professor of Music, recently performed as a featured soloist in Francis Poulenc’s “Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra” at the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Sharing the stage with Mengyang Pan, a professor at the Royal College of Music in London, the performance brought together distinguished artists from three continents in a celebration of musical dialogue across cultures.
Held in the renowned Guoyintang Concert Hall, the event featured the China Conservatory Symphony Orchestra under the direction of acclaimed German conductor Manuel Nawri of the Eisler Academy in Berlin. The performance served as a powerful example of international collaboration, highlighting music’s role as a bridge between traditions, perspectives and nations.
“This was an extraordinary professional opportunity and one of the most prestigious invitations I’ve received in recent years,” Elisi said.
Part of the conservatory’s annual concert series, the event is a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar, drawing large audiences and showcasing internationally acclaimed artists. During his visit, Elisi also led masterclasses for 80 students, fostering meaningful engagement with students and faculty alike.
The concert program, “Retrospect: The French Chapter of Turn of the Century Music,” included:
- Darius Milhaud – Sérénade, Op. 62
- Francis Poulenc – Concerto for Two Pianos, FP 61
- Vincent d’Indy – Diptyque méditerranéen, Op. 87
- Claude Debussy – Iberia, Images pour orchestre
Dean Amy Hardison Tully will serve as the moderator for the “Education in Cultural Institutions” session at the Arts Foward Summit, the inaugural city-wide event happening this weekend. The summit will welcome over 200 guests, including local artists, community members, thought leaders and creatives, for an inspiring day of learning and connection.
The session will explore how to create programming and outreach efforts that educate our communities and make the arts accessible to all audiences.
Featured panelists include:
- Alli Rogers Andreen, Manager of Family and Accessibility Programs, Amon Carter Museum of American Art
- William Giron, Executive Director of Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts at the Rose Marine Theater
- Connie Hachette Bargainer, Head of Education, Kimbell Art Museum
Photo credit: Parker Quartet
Fresh off their acclaimed performance at Carnegie Hall, the Parker Quartet will bring the same world-class program to The Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU on Monday, March 24.
In addition to the concert, the quartet will lead a masterclass for School of Music students, providing a rare opportunity to learn from some of the finest musicians in the industry.
“It is a privilege and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to receive guidance from the Parker Quartet,” said Liz Lee, assistant professor of violin. “They will witness firsthand how world-class musicians interpret and express music, and then experience their artistry live in our own hall. This is a truly special opportunity for our TCU students and community.”
Tickets are not required for this event. Free general admission.
Does Saturday Night Live (SNL) still matter to young comedians?
Department of Theatre alumna Jess Elgene ’17 recently answered this in an Esquire interview, reflecting on SNL’s 50th anniversary. Spoiler: It still means a lot to her!
For Elgene, her SNL screen test wasn’t just an audition—it was the realization of a lifelong dream. “SNL is shrouded in so much excitement and energy that even the audition itself is iconic,” she says. Standing before the show’s producers felt like joining a legacy of talent that launched the careers of her comedy heroes.
Lucia Simek ’14 has been appointed executive director of Dallas Contemporary, one of the city’s leading contemporary art institutions.
Simek, a writer, artist, curator and programmer, has been a key figure in the Dallas art scene for over two decades. She previously served as interim executive director before being selected for the role after a national search.
Simek earned her Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the School of Art.
Congratulations to our Department of Theatre students, faculty and alumni nominated for the 2025 Irma P. Hall Black Theater Awards, presented by the DFW Black Arts Council.
Student Nominees:
- Peter Radzikevich – Featured Actor in a Musical
- Maria Shorunke – Lead Actress in a Musical & Featured Actress in a Musical
Faculty Nominee:
- Ayvaunn Penn – Best Limited Run Production
Alumni Nominee:
- Cap Milbourn – Best Director / Best Choreographer / Best Play
School of Music Artist Diploma candidate David Mejía ’26 recently performed in the New York premiere of Schiele in Prison, an opera by American composer Jared Schwartz.
The 100-minute performance, featuring 11 singers, a string quartet and piano, tells the story of Egon Schiele, the only artist in over 1,000 years of Austrian history to be imprisoned for his art. The opera explores Schiele’s teenage years and his experience in prison.
School of Music Professor Germán Gutiérrez recently had the honor of conducting the National Symphony of Azerbaijan at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference. Following the performance, he explored the rich history of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, visiting iconic sites such as El Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria. “It was an incredible experience,” said Dr. Gutiérrez.