MUSYCA's Artistic Director, Dr. Mikhail Shtangrud is recognized by his students and Eric Whitacre in a moving social media post. The celebrated choral composer Eric Whitacre posted a heartfelt tribute to our director on all his social media channels:
“Dr Misha Shtangrud is the Artistic Director of MUSYCA Children’s Choir and Director of Vocal Ensembles at the Colburn School of Performing Arts, but I am nominating him because of my experience with him in his role as Artistic Director of the Burbank Chorale. Misha is an enthusiast, warm, kind, energetic and inspiring teacher. At the Burbank Chorale, he has a wide range of talent levels to work with, and he is appreciative and encouraging to all. Recently, Misha conducts virtual choir rehearsals through Zoom. He is a one man show! He sings all of the parts, is colorful and dramatic and engaging as he teaches the parts and the pronunciation of different languages. He encourages the singers as if he can actually hear them. He personally transforms our sometimes not so elegant submissions into virtual choir presentations that we our proud to share with friends and family. I am so grateful for the work he and others are doing to keep the Burbank Chorale alive.”
Thank you, Dr Shtangrud, for changing the world one student at a time.
Nominated by Suzanne.
"Thanks, Eric!" responds Dr. Shtangrud. "It's such an honor and I share it with all my dear students and colleagues. Thanks for inspiring all of us with your beautiful music! Sing on!"