Feb 4: “The Music of Jewish Composers ”
Matthew Mugmon, PhD: Associate Professor of Music and Applied Intercultural Arts Research; School of Music, University of Arizona; author; Speaker, Researcher
Monday, February 2, 2026, 3:00-4:00 pm, Koffler Great Room at ASA and zoom
Join Matthew Mugmon, who will explore the history of Western classical music through the contributions of Jewish composers and musical identities. The story of classical music is often narrated through Christian institutions and genres, from Gregorian chant and Renaissance sacred music to Bach’s cantatas and requiems by Brahms and Britten. But Jewish composers have played a central and often overlooked role in shaping that same musical landscape. Drawing on music by Meyerbeer, Mahler, Schoenberg, Bernstein, Glass, and others, the lecture considers how Jewish composers negotiated identity and tradition in shaping classical music history. For example, Aaron Copland, inspired by Gustav Mahler’s example, blended modernism and romanticism in shaping a vision for American music in the 20th century. Come find out how other American musicians were also influenced by Jewish composers and musical identities.
Photo: Matthew Mugmon
Summary: Join Matthew Mugmon, who will explore the history of Western classical music through the contributions of Jewish composers and musical identities. Drawing on music by Meyerbeer, Mahler, Schoenberg, Bernstein, Glass, and others, the lecture considers how Jewish composers negotiated identity and tradition in shaping classical music history.
Lectures are available on zoom using the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/95456511620?pwd=OC9GcnJRNmJpMTdXdXFhaUpCUkx4QT09