ST. PAUL, Minn., March 26, 2020
–
Performance Today
has named flutist and composer Valerie Coleman as the
2020 Classical Woman of the Year. The honor is granted annually to a woman who has made a significant contribution to classical music as
a performer, composer, conductor, music teacher or supporter.
“Valerie
is an extraordinary flutist, composer and founder of a groundbreaking
ensemble, with an unflagging devotion to teaching and mentorship,” said
Fred Child, host of
Performance Today. “Our choice was clear. We are proud to name her as this year’s Classical Woman of the Year.”
Coleman will be honored on tomorrow’s episode of
Performance Today and she will speak with Child about her extensive career in classical music and pieces on which she’s currently working.
Performance Today will air a show focusing on Coleman’s music and performances on Wednesday, April 8.
"I am grateful to
Performance Today and its listeners for supporting my music and
naming me their Classical Woman of the Year,” said Coleman. “It is a
privilege and I hope that my work as a flutist, composer, and educator
at the Frost School of Music creates bridges and
inspires healing to all who experience it, including the hybrid artists
of tomorrow.”
A
GRAMMY-nominated artist, Coleman is the founder and former member of
the internationally acclaimed ensemble Imani Winds. She has received
many awards and commissions from
organizations including Carnegie Hall, American Composers Orchestra and
The Library of Congress.
Named
one of the “Top 35 Women Composers” by Washington Post, Coleman is
widely recognized for her composition “Umoja,” which made its orchestral
debut last fall with the
Philadelphia Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.
Coleman
has dedicated much of her career to making music inclusive and is an
advocate and mentor for emerging artists. She joined the faculty of
Frost School of Music at
the University of Miami in 2018 as Assistant Professor of Performance,
Chamber Music and Entrepreneurship. She has led masterclasses across the
United States and created the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival, a New
York City program devoted to career development
and excellence.
“Professor
Coleman is at the forefront and is an exemplar of 21st century musical
careers. She is brilliant and renowned as a flute soloist, composer,
chamber musician, ensemble
leader, and entrepreneur,” said Shelton G. Berg, Dean of the Frost
School of Music. “This is the elevated skill set we want for students in
the Frost School of Music, and it is the recipe for being named
Classical Woman of the Year!”
Coleman was selected by the staff of
Performance Today based on listener nominations. Throughout the
month of March, listeners submitted nominations of those who inspired
them through their contributions to classical music.
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