Lee University’s School of Music welcomes Dr. Thomas Synofzik, director of the Schumann Haus in Zwickau, Germany, as artist-in-residence from March 12-23. His residence will include several class lectures, music master classes, and two recitals.
There will be a Student Lieder Recital with a reception following on Friday at 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Lee Vocal Instructor Chery Brendel, soprano, and Synofzik will collaborate on a recital featuring songs of Robert and Clara Schumann. Associate Professor of Voice Dr. Ron Brendel, tenor, will assist with duets for soprano and tenor.
Dr. Synofzik has served as the director of the Schumann House since 2005 in Zwickau, Germany, where famed 19th century German composer Robert Schumann was born. He has performed at numerous concerts and on CD and radio productions, as well as lectured across Germany at various universities.
Dr. Synofzik has also published books on the Schumann-Brahms connection, early 17th century music and the history of interpretation of the 20th century. He serves as general editor and co-editor of several volumes in the Schumann-Brief Edition published since 2008. Dr. Synofzik is the author of Heinrich Heine-Robert Schumann: Musik und Ironie. He studied musicology, German and philosophy at the University of Cologne and historical keyboard instruments in the conservatives in Cologne and Brussels.
Chery Brendel, coloratura soprano, has 20 years of university studio teaching to her credit and has trained numerous students as singers and industry professionals. She has also maintained a steady career as an opera singer, both concert and oratorio, in the U.S. and Europe. Her notable roles include Königen der Nacht from Mozart’s Die Zauberflote, La Fée from Massenet’s Cendrillon and Despina from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte. Her most recent role is as Adina in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore.
Brendel first developed her pedagogical skills in study with Lucinda Schultz, protégé of Barbara Doscher. She has participated in master-classes with Alberto Zedda, Dalton Baldwin, Jennifer Larmore, and Thomas Hampson on songs of Liszt.
All events are free and open to the public.
For more information, contact the School of Music at 614-8240 or email music@leeuniversity.edu.