Making connections with visiting Hancher artists
Steve Schick: Born in Iowa
In October 2024, world-renowned percussionist Steve Schick returned to his home state of Iowa for a residency at his alma mater, the University of Iowa. This week-long engagement was full of music, conversation, reminiscences, and the making of new memories, such at the performance of John Luther Adams’s INUKSUIT in City Park with over 100 percussionists.
The Crossing
In February 2025, The Crossing chamber choir visited the University of Iowa School of Music to collaborate on residency events and a concert with the University of Iowa Kantorei choir and three additional events.
Jessie Montgomery
As part of Hancher Auditorium’s 2024–25 Composer-In-Residence program, acclaimed composer Jessie Montgomery spent an incredible year working side-by-side with UI music students. Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, masterclasses, and more, over 200 students had the unique opportunity to learn, perform, and grow through her music.
Spotlight on health and research
Music and medicine
Access the “Music and Medicine on Monday” video / podcast series, created in collaboration with the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. The series matches student musicians and music faculty with healthcare and research professionals to present musical performances along with commentary about how to care for the health of their primary instruments: their bodies.
Midwest voice
The inaugural, interdisciplinary conference showed off the work of UI researchers and practitioners, as well as showcasing interdisciplinary collaborations in the
UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
New Work City
Each spring at the University of Iowa, Iowa City becomes New Work City: a place where new works are being premiered all over campus as our graduate students in the performing arts present their creative projects to the public—often for the first time ever. Join us on campus from now until commencement for #NewWorkCity, the spring initiative by #PerformingArtsAtIowa to highlight new work created by our talented graduate students in the performing arts.
Here with the Tallgrass
Dance MFA student Sophia McLaughlin’s thesis composition, Here with the Tallgrass, premiered at Hickory Hill Park as part of #NewWorkCity. On April 13, 2025, community members flocked to the park to experience the new work and immerse themselves in dance and nature.
Center for New Music
Watch performances from the Center for New Music’s most recent concerts, including a memorial concert for emeritus faculty member Larry Fritts, works by student composers, and works by recent alumni.
Spring exhibit at the Main Library Gallery
Orchestrating Community: The Public Services of Iowa Conductor James Dixon
An Iowa native and a Hawkeye, conductor James Dixon (1928-2007) was instrumental in building orchestras at the University of Iowa, in the Midwest, and abroad. Through a look at Dixon’s adventurous international career, this exhibition provides a “behind the podium” look at how orchestras of all sizes connect with their communities and become crucial to sustaining them. Co-curated by Sarah Suhadolnik and Katie Buehner, Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon uses materials from Special Collections and Archives and the Rita Benton Music Library at the University of Iowa Libraries to share the important work of orchestras through the lens of Dixon’s life.
News of note
- Dr. Ksenia Nosikova, Professor of Piano and piano area co-head, was awarded the 2024-25 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Collegiate Teaching Award, presented each year by CLAS to faculty who demonstrate outstanding performance in the classroom, laboratory, or studio. Read more >
- Dr. Abbey Dvorak, Associate Professor of Music Therapy, was named the 2025 Williams-Cannon Faculty Fellow through the Iowa Neuroscience Institute. Read more >
- This summer a brand-new Steinway D concert grand piano arrived at the School of Music Recital Hall. Watch a video of the delivery >
- World-renowned bass-baritone vocalist Simon Estes (BM ’86) has received the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Award—the University of Iowa’s highest honor! See more in this short video shown at the awards ceremony. Watch the Simon Estes: Opera Star & Humanitarian video >
- Jason Lee (BM piano performance ’24), received first prize for his arrangement of the Iowa Fight Song submitted to the Big Ten Academic Alliance Piano League for their Fall 2024 fight songs competition. View Jason’s rendition >
- Why is Grammy-nominated alumna Alicia Rau called the “Trumpet Chick” at RAGBRAI? Learn more >
- Sun Joo Lee, who graduated with a PhD in music therapy in 2025, was featured in Iowa Magazine this spring. Learn more >
- Did you know that our Hawkeye Drumline Captain Peyton Flynn is the voice of the latest UI gameday commercial? Learn more >
In memoriam
Larry Fritts
(1952–2025)
Larry Fritts was the professor of composition at the University of Iowa (1994–2019), during which time he was director of the Electronic Music Studio and created the Music Instrument Samples Database, alongside many compositions for traditional instruments, voice, and electronics.
Wally Chappell
(1941–2025)
Wally Chappell was the director of Hancher Auditorium from 1986 to 2001; executive director of the American Ballet Theatre and the Paul Taylor Dance Company; and board member of the Kronos Quartet, Englert Theatre, and Riverside Theatre.
Borders into bridges
Watch brilliant performances by UI students and faculty from the 2023 Making Connections Piano Festival in Brazil.