Creating a second career in music

By Dr. Susan Dantoni Susan Dantoni received the 2021-22 Undergraduate Scholar Award from Roberts Wesleyan University. She wrote this thank you letter to the Foundation.  I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity afforded me of being selected as the Roberts Wesleyan University Presser Scholar for the 2022-2023 school year. There were many…

Recording an Album with the Pure Goodness Music Collective

By Abbey Young Invited annually, graduate schools of music present the Presser Graduate Music Award to an outstanding graduate music student whom they select. The program is designed to encourage and support in a special way the advanced education and career of truly exceptional graduate music students who have the potential to make a distinguished…

Integrating DEI Into Your Board

By Abby Rolland Recently, The Presser Foundation hosted the fourth iteration of its virtual Next Movement event series, this time focusing on (Nonprofit) Boards & DEI. The Foundation plans to host three Next Movement events every year, and at least one of those each year will focus on topics around DEI (August 2021 spotlighted four partner…

Pianist Laura Ward, soprano Magdalena Kuzma (center) and mezzo Sun-Ly Pierce at the Academy of Vocal Arts. Photo courtesy of The Chestnut Hill Local. 

REVIEW: Lyric Fest’s Elysian Fields

Pianist Laura Ward, soprano Magdalena Kuzma (center) and mezzo Sun-Ly Pierce at the Academy of Vocal Arts. Photo courtesy of The Chestnut Hill Local.  By Baker Purdon, Music Fellow When I accepted The Presser Foundation’s Graduate Music Fellowship, I knew I would have the opportunity to see some of the best performances Philadelphia has at…