Loyola University’s School of Music has introduced its first resident artist program, which is being led by world-renowned violinist, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg.
Anthony DeCuir, Dean of the College of Music and Fine Arts, said that the idea for the resident artist program last year was created during the summer.
“Through this program, we want to give the artist more time to work with our students, and to create a more in depth experience for our students,” DeCuir said.
Salerno-Sonnenberg, Juilliard graduate and the winner of 1999 Avery Fisher award for excellence in music, said she would like to share her talents with the students.
“You get to this point in my career where I really do want to share the information that lives inside of this body, there’s so much of it, so much information and so much experience,” Salerno-Sonnenberg said.
Salerno-Sonnenberg will visit New Orleans four times, for 10 days, during the year of her residency. While at Loyola, Salerno-Sonnenberg will take on the task of transforming the university’s chamber orchestra into a conductor-less ensemble, which she said will make students better performers.
“If you’re observing a conductor-less orchestra play, then absolutely those ears are more trained than any musician in an orchestra that has a conductor,” Salerno-Sonnenberg said.
During her residency, Salerno-Sonnenberg will also perform four concerts, one with award-winning violinist Mark O’Connor and three with Loyola Symphony Orchestra.
Dhani Gonzalez, music performance sophomore, said that being able to learn from someone of Salerno-Sonnenberg’s caliber is a privilege.
“The time we have spent has taught me more than just the notes. Her energy and passion always makes me give it my all, take risks and most importantly, grow as a violinist,” Gonzalez said.