News
2019 Cooper Competition Field Narrowed to Six Violinists
July 23, 2019
Cathy Partlow Strauss
Two sessions of Concerto Round competition on Tuesday have given way to another round of jury deliberations in the 2019 Cooper International Competition for Violin. After two rounds of competition at...
![Cooper Competition logo Cooper Competition logo](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/cooper_logo_0.jpg?itok=6U4fzr4I)
10 Violinists Advance to the 2019 Cooper Competition’s Concerto Round
July 22, 2019
Erich Burnett
Following three days of Semifinal Round competition, the 2019 Cooper Competition field has been reduced from 24 violinists to 10. The following participants will advance to perform in the Concerto...
![Cooper Competition logo.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/cooper_logo.jpg?itok=LwKxwxqd)
Jazz Guitarist Emmet Sher Places Second in 2019 Śmietana Competition
July 8, 2019
Conservatory Communications Staff
Avid performer took part in final rounds held in Kraków, Poland.
![guitarist Emmet Sher](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/emmet_sher_2019.png?itok=HqszavSZ)
Oberlin BPI: A Chat with Ian Plansker
July 1, 2019
Conservatory Communications Staff
Young composer and harpsichordist discusses his creative process and the joy of sharing his work with fellow musicians.
![smiling boy](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/ian_plansker_from_2019_bpi_by_oli_bentley_21.png?itok=jIlkrxFO)
TIMARA Retreat for Girls Fosters Creativity through STEAM
June 24, 2019
Conservatory Communications Staff
"GEAR" introduces young learners to a world of often-overlooked opportunities.
![young girls playing with electrical projects](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/gear_pic_2019.png?itok=8j9lYpaD)
Cooper International Competition Celebrates 10 Years in July
June 7, 2019
Erich Burnett
Two dozen violinists vie for share of $40K in cash prizes.
![violinist Johan Dalene performs at the 2017 Cooper Competition. violinist Johan Dalene performs at the 2017 Cooper Competition.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/rs82619_obl072117_976.jpg?itok=TGHitLY2)
Maker, Musician and Steel Pan Tuner: Noah Sanderson ’16
June 5, 2019
Andrea Wang ’19
Noah Sanderson ’16 is a lifelong maker and musician who became serious about steel pan while at Oberlin. Since graduation, he has been gradually improving his skills tuning and making these instruments.
![Noah Sanderson ’16 in his pan tuning workshop, which doubles as a percussion room. Sanderson started getting serious about steel pan while at Oberlin. Noah Sanderson leaning against racks filled with steel pan. Photo.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/noah_sanderson_header_photo.jpg?itok=8mQ5H998)
Baritone Andrew Frierson Broke Opera’s Color Barrier
May 29, 2019
Erich Burnett
The outspoken advocate of civil rights taught voice at Oberlin in the 1970s.
![photograph of andrew frierson baritone Andrew Frierson](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/andrew_frierson_1974_mstr.jpg?itok=H4XiqZ2O)
Phoebe Durand-McDonnell ’19 Awarded Fulbright Award in Switzerland
May 15, 2019
Erin Ulrich ’18
Harp performance major Phoebe Durand-McDonnell ’19 has been awarded a Fulbright to study historical harp performance in Switzerland.
![Phoebe Durand-McDonnell ’19 Phoebe Durand-McDonnell smiling and seated playing the harp.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/phoebe_durand-mcdonnell_headshot.jpg?itok=Hx1HfcC5)
Virtuoso Cellist, Teacher George Neikrug Dies at 100
May 15, 2019
By Erich Burnett
Member of Oberlin String Quartet made 1966 solo appearance in New York to honor conservatory's centennial.
![photo of late cello professor George Neikrug](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/george_neikrug_courtesy_oberlin_college_archives.jpg?itok=rHSGjQDZ)