A talented pianist and composer with a passion for sharing the joy of creating music has been appointed as the new Director of the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music at Brandon University (BU).
Dianna Neufeld will oversee administration of the Conservatory, which offers musical instruction and performance opportunities for students of all ages in western Manitoba.
“Much of my life has been devoted to creating musical opportunities for others,” Neufeld said. “I look forward to community building on a deep level through the Conservatory, bringing teachers and students from Brandon and the surrounding southwest corner of Manitoba together through satellite programs and creating accessible music learning spaces for all abilities and cultures.”
Neufeld has been President of the Brandon and Westman Branch of the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers Association, and her administrative work has extended across Canada as the administrator of the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition. Her recent performance endeavours have included studying and performing as a collaborative pianist at Musiktag am Rhein Festival in Neuwied — Engers, Germany (2022), a long-distance collaboration with American violinist Sean Riley (2021), and Brandon Chamber Players’ 2023 “Gay Guerilla,” a presentation of contemporary four-piano works which featured her work as both a pianist and composer. Neufeld has written compositions for all levels of learners, from pre-reading to early professional, with works that can be found in the Northern Lights CNCM Piano Repertoire books and a solo composition Nocturne “For A Winter’s Night” that was featured by Moving Classics TV and has been selected for publication by EVC Music/UK – Hal Leonard Europe.
“One of the best things about music is how it always leaves room to grow, to invent and to evolve.”
Dianna Neufeld, Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory Music Director
Last year, Neufeld completed a Master of Music, Performance and Literature at BU’s School of Music, specializing as a Collaborative Pianist with Megumi Masaki.
“We’ve been spoiled by many years of exemplary leadership at the Conservatory by caring educators and administrators who have launched musical journeys that have enriched students’ lives in so many different ways, from recreational and life-long learning to professional, world-renowned performers and teachers,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of BU’s School of Music. “I’m thrilled that Dianna is going to carry on that tradition. Her musical ability and experience, along with her commitment to sharing both the technical and the emotional aspects of performance, will put our Conservatory students in good hands.”
The Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music is currently accepting students for the upcoming year. For more about programming and faculty, please visit BrandonU.ca/e-gre or email Neufeld at NeufeldDi@BrandonU.ca.
“One of the best things about music is how it always leaves room to grow, to invent and to evolve,” Neufeld said. “I’m excited to welcome the community to an inviting musical experience with our wonderful faculty.”
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
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