Music Department Set to Onboard New Professors in Autumn 2017
In the vibrant and culturally rich landscape of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the Herb Alpert School of Music has recently welcomed three distinguished faculty members to its esteemed ranks. Denis Bouriakov, Richard Danielpour, and Kay Rhie are each bringing their unique expertise in flute performance, composition, and piano accompanying to the school, enhancing its mission to educate and inspire the next generation of musicians.
Denis Bouriakov, a world-renowned flutist, now serves as a professor of flute and principal flutist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Known for his virtuosic playing and dynamic musicality, Bouriakov is a valuable asset to UCLA students, offering them the opportunity to learn from one of the leading figures in the field. His extensive professional experience, honed within one of the world's most prestigious orchestras, will undoubtedly prove invaluable to the next generation of flutists.
Richard Danielpour, an acclaimed American composer, joins the department as a professor of composition. Danielpour's contemporary classical music compositions have been performed by celebrated artists and ensembles such as Yo-Yo Ma, the New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. At UCLA, he will guide students in developing their own voice and craftsmanship in writing music across genres, helping to nurture the next generation of composers.
Kay Rhie, a specialist in piano accompanying and chamber music, has been appointed as assistant professor of piano accompanying and chamber music coaching. Rhie's expertise lies in fostering collaborative skills essential for professional musicians, and she supports student musicians by coaching ensembles and providing expert accompaniment. Her influences, which include film and jazz music, European avant-garde, and various folk traditions, add a rich and diverse dimension to the school's music program.
Denis Bouriakov's contributions to the flute world extend beyond performance, as he has expanded the limits of flute technique and artistry through his transcriptions. His first solo CD, which included the Sibelius Violin Concerto and Bach Chaconne in his own arrangements, showcases his innovative approach to the instrument.
Kay Kyurim Rhie has upcoming commissions for a large chamber orchestra work for Seoul Philharmonic's 2017/18 New Music Series, Ars Nova, and a large ensemble piece for Ensemble X. Her music has already been performed at prestigious venues such as the Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen Music Festival, and by several ensembles including the BBC Singers, Ensemble X, Ardesco String Quartet, In Flux, New Spectrum Ensemble, In Mulieribus, Seattle Promusica, Andrew/Gail Jennings Duo, Los Angeles Chamber Singers, and California EAR Unit.
Richard Danielpour's impressive career includes premiering his first opera, Margaret Garner, at the Detroit Opera House in 2005. He has also worked as a researcher, overseeing the implementation of a pilot program to train young teenage composers in Korea in 2016. Danielpour has been a lecturer in the department for the past four years and will now join the faculty as a professor.
In addition to their professional accomplishments, these faculty members bring a wealth of experience to their roles at UCLA. Denis Bouriakov has served as a lecturer in flute performance at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, while Kay Rhie has taught as a visiting lecturer at Cornell University and Ewha Woman's University. Kay Kyurim Rhie is a recipient of the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and Richard Danielpour holds the Virginia and Henry Mancini Chair.
Together, these faculty members play vital roles in advancing UCLA's mission to educate and inspire the next generation of musicians through performance, composition, and collaboration. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise ensure that students will receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for successful careers in the music industry.
- With Denis Bouriakov now serving as a professor of flute and principal flutist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, UCLA students will have the opportunity to learn lifelong-learning from one of the leading figures in the field of education-and-self-development, ensuring a well-rounded education.
- In addition to his esteemed career as a composer, Richard Danielpour will contribute to the entertainment sector by guiding UCLA students in developing their voice and craftsmanship in writing music across genres, helping to nurture the next generation of composers.
- Kay Rhie's expertise in piano accompanying and chamber music will aid in enhancing the music program at UCLA, as she fosters essential collaborative skills for students and adds a rich and diverse dimension to the school's learning environment through her influences in film, jazz music, European avant-garde, and various folk traditions.
