Curtis Institute of Music

News Summary:

On February 20, 2026, the Curtis Chamber Orchestra is scheduled to perform in Phoenix, Arizona, featuring violinist Erin Keefe, who serves as concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra and frequently performs with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Previously, on February 19, the Curtis Opera Theatre and Curtis New Music Ensemble announced their production of "La Passion de Simone," which centers on French philosopher Simone Weil. Weil, known for her deep belief in the ethical power of witnessing suffering, viewed attention as the purest form of generosity, a principle she lived out through service in a refugee camp, factory work, and participation in the Spanish Civil War. Earlier, on February 17, the institute highlighted alumna Diane Monroe (Violin ’80), recognizing her performance in Carnegie Hall’s 1993 Fiddle Fest as career-defining. This event marked the first time Monroe fully integrated classical technique, jazz, and African spirituals on stage, shaping her artistic journey. On February 16, the Curtis Institute of Music reminded audiences that its students present over 100 free recitals annually, typically on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, with complimentary advance registration required. This followed a performance on February 15 by students Carson Ling-Efird (cello), an Arthur and Hilda Stander Fellow who entered Curtis in 2023, and Yenfei Wang (piano), the Nancy Maruyama M.D. Fellow who entered in 2024, featuring works by Schubert, Weinberg, and Haydn.