Husker Horn Studio represents at International Competition and Symposium
calendar icon23 Aug 2024
Lincoln, Neb.--The Husker Horn Studio in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Glenn Korff School of Music showcased its talent and influence on the global horn community at the recently concluded 56th annual International Horn Society (IHS) symposium and the International Horn Competition of America (IHCA). Held July 26-Aug. 2 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, this combined event brought together hornists from around the world for a week of performances, lectures and competitions.
The IHS was established in 1970 and is renowned for its role in advancing all aspects of the French horn. With over 3,500 members from 55 countries, the organization’s annual symposium is a beacon for the horn community, drawing nearly 700 attendees each year. Meanwhile the IHCA, founded in 1981, is the largest international horn solo competition, attracting elite horn players from across the globe.
This year the Husker Horn Studio, under the direction of Alan Mattingly, was prominently featured. Mattingly is the Glenn Korff Chair of Music and professor of horn in the Glenn Korff School of Music, and not only adjudicated the final round of the University Division of the IHCA but also performed on the opening concert of the IHS symposium.
“It was fantastic to see such great representation from the Husker Horn Studio at the combined International Horn Competition of America and International Horn Society symposium,” Mattingly said. “In addition to the competitions, there were 51 lectures, 30 concerts, and 13 masterclasses throughout the week, in addition to 34 different vendors. Current and former students from the horn studio attended this event as participants, adjudicators, competitors, conductors, and performers.”
The Husker Horn Studio’s alumni played a significant role at both events. Steven Cohen (BM 2014, MM 2015), founder of the NU CORNO Ensemble, led his group in presenting several world premieres, including “Tresillo Colorado” by Meredith Moore, as well as arrangements of works by J.S. Bach and Gustav Mahler. Cohen’s NU CORNO ensemble has become a staple at the IHS and since its first performance in 2015 has performed over 40 premieres, including orchestral arrangements, jazz charts, and works written specifically for horn ensemble. Cohen has also made an impact by establishing a scholarship through the University of Nebraska Foundation specifically for incoming students to the Husker Horn Studio and was recently elected to the Council of Alumni Ambassadors as part of the Nebraska Alumni Association.
“Were it not for my time at UNL, NU CORNO might not exist,” Cohen said. “The idea for this ensemble was founded in the hallway of Westbrook's third floor in 2014, and the ensemble will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year at IHS 57. Since its founding, the ensemble has become the premiere ensemble for the commissioning and performance of new works for horn ensemble. The encouragement of Dr. Mattingly during my time at UNL helped me not only start this ensemble, but push the boundaries of what a horn ensemble can be.”
Nicholas Kenney (MM 2007, DMA 2010), professor of horn and department head at Southeast Missouri State University, also made his mark by adjudicating the University Division of the IHCA and performing with NU CORNO.
“At the combined IHCA/IHS, it was an honor to be a part of the NU CORNO and NU CORNO College Ensembles led by UNL alum Steven Cohen,” Kenney said. “Being a student at UNL enabled me to get involved in these organizations nearly 20 years ago, and it is amazing to continue working alongside other UNL alums as professionals in these organizations.”
Another alum, Jordan Redd (MM 2018, DMA 2021), now the professor of horn at the University of North Alabama, served as an adjudicator at the IHCA, making it his second time in this prestigious role.
“The biggest highlight for me at the combined IHCA/IHS was seeing the involvement of Nebraska alumni,” Redd said. “It sounds cheesy, but I have always looked up to people that have graduated from the Husker Horn Studio. Dr. Mattingly remains a pillar in this horn community and has done such a great job fostering an environment for his students to thrive. Their success is a product of his fantastic teaching.”
The presence of the Husker Horn Studio at such high-profile events underscores the quality of musical education occurring at Nebraska and reinforces its commitment to excellence on the global horn community.
“I have performed with the NU CORNO ensemble at several different IHS symposia and know the impact that this group has on introducing new literature to the horn world,” Mattingly said. “I have also been associated with the IHCA for more than 25 years and have witnessed the influence this organization can have on the careers of budding hornists. It is thrilling to see the continued involvement of members of the Husker Horn Studio at these international events. Students are graduating from this studio and finding tremendous success as soloists, chamber musicians, university professors, public school teachers, and in many other musical capacities.”