Current Hometown: Boulder, CO
What Keeps You Connected to Ars Nova’s Repertoire? I sang in a Renaissance a cappella men’s group in college, which always made me enjoy/appreciate the Renaissance focus/talents of Ars Nova. But what made me fall in love with the Ars Nova style and sound has been how deeply powerful I have found the 20-21st century musical repertoire to be. How what at first appears to be dissonance can be so incredibly consonant and yet intensely stirring at the same time.
What’s a COVID-Times Hobby or Skill You’ve Picked Up? Undoubtedly learning to make cheese at home (Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Feta, Goat, …) which has grown from a simple diversion to a complete and devouring passion! Indeed, I have probably 100 lbs of cheese wheels waxed and aging in cheese “cave” (basically a dorm 1/2 size fridge turned down to its warmest setting). I’ve never thought about retiring from my life as a research scientist and university professor, but if I ever do, I’d seriously think of becoming a cheesemonger and make these available at a place like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods or Lucky’s.
Joined Ars Nova: 1986
Favorite Musical Memory: Singing the Bach Magnificat and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms in the Vatican for Pope Paul’s 20th anniversary, with Lenny Bernstein conducting.
Preferred pronouns: he, him