U.S. Choir Conductor Shares His Unique Teaching Style at the Belarusian State Academy of Music

Ira Spaulding conducting student choir during a master class at the Belarusian State Academy of Music

The U.S. conductor and baritone, Ira Spaulding, was greeted with a standing ovation by over 150 music students and faculty as he entered a rehearsal auditorium at the Belarusian State Academy of Music (BSAM) on October 19, 2010.  With a highly acclaimed master class, the music professor from the City College of New York, kicked off a week-long music outreach and performing program supported by the Embassy.  While introducing Mr. Spaulding to the audience at BSAM, Cultural Affairs Officer, Patrick Fenning,  announced the Embassy donation of music scores to the school, which included 33 items featuring music for choirs and individual vocalists by Copland, Barber, Gershwin and other distinguished American composers.  Mr. Fenning noted that this gift “is being done in an effort to facilitate access to U.S. music resources for Belarusian music students and faculty.”

Mr. Spaulding’s program in Belarus also includes another master class for students and faculty at the Molodechno Music College named after Oginski.  His stay in Minsk will culminate with a unique show combining Negro spirituals and jazz jointly presented at the Minsk Big Philharmonic Hall on October 20 by Ira Spaulding, the Belarusian State Chamber Choir, and the Apple Tea jazz band.