Pre-concert Talk: Michael Yaffe
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Join us for a free 30-minute lecture before each Classics Series concert. These engaging lectures cover the repertoire, composer insights, and secrets from soloists. Please join us for this FREE learning opportunity!
Beethoven & Adams
November 14
A pillar of the classical repertoire, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is often considered to be one his “happiest” works, whose brilliant energy will be matched with the opening Chairman Dances by legendary living composer John Adams. One of the most sought-after soloists in his generation, pianist Orion Weiss has performed with major American orchestras including the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and New York Philharmonic.
Michael Yaffe has been associate dean of the Yale School of Music since 2006. At Yale, he has been responsible for the development of the Music in Schools Initiative, a program designed to provide training for graduate students in community engagement and to provide New Haven public schools with teaching artists and other collaborative programs. In the past two years, Mr. Yaffe has also led the development of the Morse Summer Music Academy, a comprehensive summer music program for urban youth from New Haven. In addition, he is responsible for the development of technology and dissemination programs at Yale, including distance learning, streaming, website development, and tools for students and faculty.
From 1986 to 2006, Mr. Yaffe was executive director of The Hartt School of the University of Hartford and director of its Community Division. During his tenure at the Hartt Community Division, he increased its student population from 1,000 to 2,800 students. Beyond the 100 part-time faculty members, Mr. Yaffe created 30 full-time teaching positions with benefits. He initiated the Fund for Access to provide financial aid and to make the programs of the Community Division available to students with limited means. Mr. Yaffe enhanced programs for small and large ensembles, including chamber music, youth orchestra, wind ensemble, and children’s choir. He led the transfer of the School of the Hartford Ballet to Hartt, creating a new department of dance. To maintain a connection with the classroom, he taught the music history component of the High School Performer’s Certificate Program.
