Event Calendar & News: Faculty News

Niland Lecture on American choral legend Robert Shaw
The MSU School of Music hosted the “Second Annual Paul and Martha Niland Endowed Lectureship in Choral Music to honor Charles K. Smith.” Ann Howard Jones, director of choral activities and noted choral scholar at Boston University, presented a free public lecture on "The Legacy of Robert Shaw” in March 2003.

The late Robert Shaw (1916- 1999) was one of the most renowned figures in American choral music in the last half of the 20th century. Some of the prestigious awards he received throughout his career include the first gold record for a classical recording, which sold more than one million copies; honorary doctorates from 13 colleges and universities; and the Ditson Award for his service to American music. In addition, he was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Kennedy Center honoree.

This annual lecture series is made possible through a generous gift from Paul and Martha Niland, in honor of Charles K. Smith, professor emeritus of music and director emeritus of choral activities at MSU. Smith conducted the University Chorale and Choral Union, and guided the master’s and doctoral degree programs in choral conducing from 1978-2002.