Inaugural Cello Fest
Pictured above from left to right, back to front: Noah Bettelheim (music),
Ayden Gregory (business), Sean Tierney
(electrical engineering graduate),
Megan Chartier (faculty), Carlos Deianni (mechanical engineering), Adam Medeiros (aerospace engineering), Carolyn Richardson (biological sciences), Tim Webb
(mechanical engineering), Kate Peruzzi (architecture graduate), Sarah Chang
(chemistry), Clara Lillie (biochemistry), Emiko Wong (music), Chloe Carrabino
(graphic communication), Samantha Stonick (animal science).
Cal Poly cellists participated in the department’s first-ever Cello Fest in May. The festival featured seven events: composer Aaron Kline and cellist Megan Chartier gave a lecture-demonstration; Eric Sung, principal cellist of the San Francisco Ballet, led a master class; music major Emiko Wong presented a junior recital; the Cal Poly Cello Ensemble gave a concert; Chartier performed a solo faculty recital; and there were two community pop-up events. Unique highlights include a commission and premiere by first-year music major Noah Bettelheim, and a concerto performance by music minor Sarah Chang with cello ensemble accompaniment. All three major concerts were standing room only!
Polyphonics Takes a Taste of the Big Apple
On April 6, PolyPhonics took the stage at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall, performing alongside the choirs of Minnesota's Saint John's and Saint Mary's universities, accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble. The weekend was filled with making music and memories, and a bit of multitasking — between rehearsals and an unforgettable performance, students also explored New York City and caught up on homework.
Opera Goes Full Bore Again
In April, Cal Poly Student Opera Theater (CPSOT) gave a rollicking, comedic performance of Giacomo Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” to a nearly sold-out crowd. More than 50 students on stage, behind the scenes and in the orchestra pit came together with professional opera singers and orchestral players to produce the 50-minute masterpiece. It was set in the 1920s with set and props provided by Cal Poly’s Theatre and Dance Department, costumes by Laina Babb, conducted by Scott Glysson and directed and produced by Amy Goymerac. This was the first time CPSOT has produced a full-length opera in nearly a decade. Students were thanked by an enthusiastic standing ovation and many have reported being more interested in opera than ever before. CPSOT looks forward to many more years of full-length operatic performances.
Tours in 2026
Two ensembles are gearing up for tours next year: the Arab Music Ensemble to Spain, and the Wind Ensemble to Central Europe. For more information or to make a contribution, contact the following directors:
- Arab Music Ensemble Director Ken Habib
khabib@calpoly.edu
- Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff
cwoodruf@calpoly.edu