Everett Hopfner will continue to lead the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music at Brandon University (BU).
Hopfner, a talented pianist and educator, has been named Director of the Conservatory of Music after serving two years as Interim Director.
“I’m delighted to be able to continue in this role as we build and refine our programming, while maintaining the traditions that have helped the Conservatory introduce so many to the joys of musical performance,” Hopfner said. “I’m continually learning from the talented musicians and educators who make up the Conservatory, and I know that they have a great deal to offer the students of our region.”
A School of Music alumnus from Ste. Rose du Lac, Hopfner is a former winner of the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition in piano, held at BU. After graduating from Brandon University with a Bachelor of Music, Hopfner went on to study in Frankfurt and Stuttgart, Germany. He has taught at the Conservatory since 2015 and is also a sessional instructor with the School of Music. In 2019, he moved into the role filled by Mary Jo Carrabré, who had been Conservatory Director for 20 years.
“Everett has done a superb job under unusually challenging circumstances,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of Music at BU. “At the end of his first year, the Conservatory was forced to shift to a virtual format due to the pandemic and has continued that way since then. Everett has guided the transition with the grace and professionalism that have made him so well-liked and respected among his students and his colleagues. We’re all excited to see where he takes the programs as we welcome students back for in-person instruction this fall.”
The first seeds of the current Conservatory were planted with the foundation of the Brandon College Department of Music in 1906. After a gift by Dr. Ferdinand Eckhardt, the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music was dedicated in 1992 to commemorate composer Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté.
For information about Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music programs, or to inquire about registration for the fall, visit BrandonU.ca/E-Gre.
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.