News
Cooper International Competition for Piano Returns July 14-20
June 14, 2018
By Erich Burnett
Young pianists vie for $40,000 in cash prizes plus the opportunity to perform with The Cleveland Orchestra.
![2016 first prize winner Ryota Yamazaki performs in Severance Hall.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/ryota_2016.jpg?itok=HPZGSva6)
Trailblazing Piano Professor Frances Walker ’45 dies at 94
June 13, 2018
By Erich Burnett
Accomplished performer returned to teach at her alma mater, became the first tenured black female professor.
![Frances Walker works with a piano student](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/frances_walker_student_piano_c1960s_70s_copy.jpg?itok=Z48SYDKd)
Opera Singer Kathryn Leemhuis ’05 Reflects on Her Oberlin Advantage
June 4, 2018
Conservatory Communications Staff
Accomplished mezzo-soprano serves as guest faculty at Summer Vocal Academy, performs June 15.
![Kathryn Leemhuis.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/kathryn_leemhuis.png?itok=RkPN-pbH)
William Bolles-Beaven ’18 Awarded Teaching Fellowship in Austria
May 11, 2018
Amanda Nagy
A composition major, Bolles-Beaven will teach English in secondary schools while improving his German language skills.
![William Bolles-Beaven Portrait of William Bolles-Beaven](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/williambolles_beaven-jennifer_manna.jpg?itok=vWu9SBW8)
Robert Willoughby, Legendary Flute Professor and Performer, Dies at 96
April 24, 2018
By Erich Burnett
Master of modern and historical flute devoted 37 years to teaching at Oberlin, leaving a long list of distinguished former students.
![Robert Willoughby](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/robert_willoughby_portrait_nd_copy.jpg?itok=EiJElbtp)
Opera Legend Marilyn Horne Leads Master Classes at Oberlin April 20, 22
April 11, 2018
By Erich Burnett
Celebrated mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne returns to Oberlin to work with voice students and lead several master classes.
![Marilyn Horne with student Olivia Boen](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/rs74010_lk2_0284.jpg?itok=UjQ6TlRr)
Bass-Baritone Gerald Finley Performs Songs of Germany and Russia April 17
April 5, 2018
By Erich Burnett
Part of the Artist Recital Series, program pairs the famed Canadian singer with fellow countryman-pianist Michael McMahon.
![Gerald Finley photo](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/gerald_finley_pc_sim_canetty_clarke2_b_300dpi.jpg?itok=OEnDqPxa)
Composer Olly Wilson, Founding Father of Electronic Music at Oberlin, Dies at 80
April 4, 2018
By Erich Burnett
Wide-ranging influences included spirituals, jazz, serialism, and more.
![Olly Wilson classroom photo from 1968](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/olly_wilson_teaching_1968_copy_2.jpg?itok=WSA0ZwIb)
Pianist Ursula Oppens to Perform with Contemporary Music Ensemble April 6
April 4, 2018
Mike Telin
Program includes Jonathan Harvey's Bird Concerto, a rare dalliance with electronic sounds for Oppens.
![Ursula Oppens playing piano](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/oppens-ursula.jpg?itok=UNf57ciG)
Doing Concerts for Good
April 2, 2018
Conservatory Communications Staff
Conservatory musicians join forces with a LaunchU venture.
![Jenny Huang and Celina Kobetitsch presenting at a conference.](https://www.oberlin.edu/sites/default/files/styles/fp_w360_h270/public/content/news/image/jenny_huang_and_celina_kobetitsch_launchu.png?itok=KR16gVRE)