The Curtis Institute of Music has announced that three Curtis musicians will participate as Fellows in the inaugural year of the Aspen Institute’s Franklin Project, a new arts-based service corps. Curtis is piloting the ArtistYear Fellowship Program in Philadelphia during the 2014-15 academic year. Beginning in September, Michelle Cann (2013 Curtis graduate, piano), Wade Coufal (Curtis ’14, bassoon), and Alexandra von der Embse (Curtis ’12, oboe,) will collaborate with Philadelphia-area community partners such as City Year, Teach For America, and AmeriCorps. The ArtistYear Fellowship Program provides an annual allowance and living stipend, medical insurance, and monthly professional development opportunities. Fellows commit to full-time work serving the Philadelphia community through music. Retired General Stanley McChrystal, chair of the Franklin Project’s Leadership Council, said of the project, “This is a rare opportunity to create a shared common experience across talents and backgrounds. Engaging young artists in their experience is essential—for the students and the gifts they will share bringing the arts to underserved communities.” More information about ArtistYear is available here.
Posted June 6, 2014
