Hartt’s Honorary Degrees Given in the 1990s

In past posts, I have highlighted the honorary degrees awarded by Hartt during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

In the 1990s, Hartt awarded two honorary degrees.  The first was to pianist Grant Johannesen in 1993.

More information about Mr. Johannesen can be found here.

   
The other was awarded to Hartt alumnus (‘51) and composer Jack Elliott in 1997.

This photo was taken of Mr. Elliott during a masterclass at Hartt.  If you are not familiar with Mr. Elliott’s name, you certainly have heard his music.  I encourage you to check out his Wikipedia page here. 

Also, Mrs. Bobbi Elliott donated a significant amount of Mr. Elliott’s materials to Hartt, which now holds The Jack Elliot Collection.  More information about the The Jack Elliott Collection and The Jack Elliott Legacy Project to follow in a later post.

Upcoming Alumni Gathering

Do you live near Dallas? 
Are you attending the Jazz Education Network's Conference in January?


If the answer is "yes" to either of those questions, you are invited to Dinner and Conversation with faculty members Nat Reeves and Shawnn Monteiro-Huelbig on Thursday, January 9, 6-7:30 p.m. at Pyramid Restaurant.

If you would like to attend, or for further information, contact Philip Grover at 860.768.4468 or pgrover@hartford.edu.

________________________________

So many alumni report fond memories of their years at the
University of Hartford. Some things have changed since you
studied here, we're sure. What haven't changed are our
values and the integrity of relationships formed here. We
hope to continue aligning our history with our future in a
way that generates excitement amongst our alumni.

**************************

More information about the upcoming gathering in NYC on January 13, 2014 coming soon.

Hartt's Guitar Department is 50! SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE!

Fiftieth Anniversary Concert celebrating the founding of the Guitar Department
                               

Saturday, April 12: 8:00 PM, Millard Auditorium

 Did you know?

The Guitar Department at The Hartt School University of Hartford is the oldest performance-based guitar program in the country. Graduating its first member in 1968, 

Hartt Community Division to Perform The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

• Buy tickets now!
• Nutcracker events around town
• Support the Nutcracker

---

The Hartt School Community Division will open its traditional production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 PM. As a special treat this season, the Hartt Dance Department will also offer a Nutty Nutcracker. If you’re a Nutcracker “regular,” you are in for a comical evening with this off-the-wall version of the original Nutcracker. The Nutty Nutcracker, will premiere on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30 PM. Hartt’s Nutcracker production includes two casts from its Pre-Professional and Children’s Ballet programs, former dancers from the Hartford Ballet, and surprise cameo appearances by several local celebrities and dignitaries. In total, the cast numbers more than 100 performers.
Set to Peter IIyitch Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, Hartt’s The Nutcracker features choreography by Community Division Dance Department’s Artistic Director Samantha Dunster, lighting by Production Designer Dewey Strang, brilliant costumes, a Christmas tree that grows to tremendous heights, snow falling and the ultimate battle between Clara’s beloved Nutcracker and his nemesis, The Rat King. Ms. Dunster’s choreography maintains the highest traditional quality of this holiday classic and lends itself to an enchanting evening for the whole family. “I look forward every year to our production of this time-honored tradition,” says Ms. Dunster, “The combination of Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music, the radiant costumes, stunning sets and lighting all paired with our immensely talented students makes for a magical holiday experience for young and old alike.”

Traditional Nutcracker Performances:

• Friday, December 13 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM
• Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 PM

Additional Information Concerning Malcolm Morrison

Dear Hartt alumni,

We write to inform you, if you have not yet heard, that former Hartt School Dean Malcolm Morrison died on November 8. We send you this news of his passing with great sadness; we have lost a great leader and lover of the arts, mentor, faculty member, and friend. Malcolm left his stamp on The Hartt School and the University, and changed so many lives for the better. We know you join us in expressing our deepest sympathy to his wife, Jo, his daughter, Nikki, and their entire family.

A Message from Stephen Pier

Dear Friends of Hartt Dance,

It has been some time since I sent out our last newsletter, “The Hartt Dance Occasional”, and things just keep getting better. We have had an excellent Fall semester so far with a promising freshman class starting to get traction and a beautiful group of seniors preparing to launch their careers.

Our dancers have just finished an extraordinary series of performances in the Roberts Theater presenting the first half of the Senior class in their own group works as well as solos created on them by professional choreographers.  It was very moving to see them perform along side their younger colleagues and appreciate how far they have come as aspiring artists and engaged human beings. Clearly, the work of our brilliant faculty is having a meaningful effect!

Hartt is Saddened by the Passing of Malcolm Morrison

*************************

The following is a message from the Hartt Dean, Aaron Flagg.
*************************
It is with great sadness that I must communicate the passing, today, of former Dean and University Professor of Theatre Malcolm Morrison. The Hartt family has just lost a great leader, mentor, faculty member, and friend.

Malcolm Morrison bravely battled illness for over ten years and always maintained his wit and good humor while serving the students and art form he so dearly loved. Professor Morrison was our dean from 1998 to 2008 and oversaw the expansion of Hartt from a distinguished music conservatory to a comprehensive performing arts conservatory including dance and theatre divisions. He oversaw the design and construction of the Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center, which observes its fifth anniversary this month.