Following an international search, renowned violinists Alexander Sitkovetsky and Chad Hoopes [pictured] have been appointed to the faculty at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts in Dallas, Texas, beginning in fall 2020.
Sitkovetsky is an international concert artist who trained at the Yehudi Menuhin School in London and has performed as a guest soloist with dozens of major orchestras worldwide, including the Royal Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony and Moscow Symphony. He is a critically acclaimed recording artist, recipient of the 2016 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and a founding member of the award-winning Sitkovetsky Trio. He will serve as artist-in-residence at SMU.
Since winning first prize at the 2008 Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition, Chad Hoopes has established himself as an impressive and versatile artist, frequently performing with leading ensembles across the globe. He is a 2017 recipient of Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Career Grant, a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and served as the Munich Symphony’s first artist-in-residence, a position created specifically for him after his acclaimed debut with the orchestra. Hoopes studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and at the Kronberg Academy in Germany. He will serve as professor of practice at SMU.
“We are all excited about these new additions to our distinguished Music Division faculty,” said David Mancini, director of the division. “These hires demonstrate the division’s continuing commitment to the finest string instruction possible.”
At SMU, Sitkovetsky and Hoopes will teach individual students and conduct studio classes. They will also perform with students in semester-long chamber music workshops and present public recitals.
“I am delighted to be appointed artist-in-residence at the SMU Meadows School of the Arts,” said Sitkovetsky. “This is an incredible opportunity to contribute in many different facets to the musical fabric of this historical institution and world-class university. I look forward to working with my outstanding colleagues to enrich the cultural lives of the students and to continue to develop this renowned program.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful faculty at SMU Meadows, and look forward to sharing all of my experiences with the students and helping them achieve their goals!” said Hoopes.