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World-renowned soprano Sylvia McNair chosen by IU School of Music for outreach job
June 20, 2001
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Gwyn Richards, dean of the Indiana University School of Music, announced today (June 20) that Grammy award-winner and IU alumna Sylvia McNair has been named executive adviser for outreach.
McNair, who has been described as one of the world's greatest living sopranos, has performed at every major concert hall and opera house in North America, Europe and Asia. She has been a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony and the Metropolitan Opera, to name but a few of her engagements.
As outreach adviser, she will lend her time and talents to fund-raising and to attracting outstanding faculty to her alma mater. She will begin her three-year appointment to the post July 1.
Bloomington Campus Chancellor and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kenneth R.R. Gros Louis applauded the arrangement, saying it "confirms the stature of the school in national and international circles."
"McNair has great fondness for the school," Gros Louis continued, "and I am confident she will convey that to donors, potential faculty members, visitors and students. Her willingness to undertake these assignments provides a terrific boost for the school as it seeks to maintain its already superb reputation."
Richards agreed. "Among the highest priorities of the School of Music, in the near term, are the development of resources and faculty," he said. "Sylvia's acceptance of our offer to play a leadership role in these important initiatives thrills us.
"Her love of Indiana University and the School of Music shines through in everything she does," Richards continued. "Her obvious enthusiasm for Bloomington is infectious and moves anyone with whom she meets. Her ability to communicate through music and through her engaging personality is powerful. These special gifts are the reason for the universal love and admiration she receives."
McNair, who earned a master's degree in music in 1983 while studying under IU Distinguished Professor of Voice Virginia Zeani, said she welcomes the chance to assist the School of Music, calling it a "wonderful opportunity."
"I'm very much looking forward to working with the new dean and friends from days gone by," McNair said. She noted in particular IU School of Music Dean Emeritus Charles H. Webb, who she explained was crucial in setting up the outreach adviser arrangement.
The 46-year-old McNair will continue to live just outside New York City, where she can best continue her performing career. "It's actually in the best interest of the School of Music that I stay very much involved in the music business," she explained. "I'll be able to do the things for the Music School that they would like me to do."
McNair was awarded a 1993 Grammy for a Deutsche Grammophon recording of Handel's Semele and a 1996 Grammy for The Echoing Air: The Music of Henry Purcell. She often collaborates in recital and concert with her husband, conductor and pianist Hal France, whom she first met in 1984 during a rehearsal of the Indianapolis Symphony.
A native of Mansfield, Ohio, she earned a bachelor's degree in music at Wheaton College in Illinois before going on to earn a master's degree at IU.
(Maria Talbert, 812-856-5719, mtalbert@indiana.edu or Susan Dillman, 812-855-0850 or pager 812-334-6377, sdillman@indiana.edu)