Since 1967, John Heiss has taught NEC students the roots of 20th-century modernism both in the classroom and as a conductor and coach. His courses on Ives, Schoenberg, and Stravinsky have shaped generations of musicians. Due to the accuracy of his ear in rehearsals, Stravinsky called him "the pitch doctor."
Each year Heiss recruits students interested in performing 20th- and 21st-century music to join the NEC Contemporary Ensemble. Tonight's program combines four iconic 20th-century works with a new work by NEC student composer Soo Han, who has studied with Heiss,Michael Gandolfi, and John Mallia.
