Cellist Nick Photinos, a recipient of four GRAMMY awards and the founder of the renowned ensemble Eighth Blackbird, is set to assume the role of Eminent Scholar in Chamber Music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) starting from August 15, 2023.
In this esteemed position, Photinos will succeed Professor Emeritus James Tocco, a distinguished pianist who recently retired from CCM after dedicating thirty years of service.
An alumnus of CCM, Nick Photinos is widely recognized as one of the foremost champions of contemporary music in the United States. He has premiered numerous works and played a pivotal role in hundreds of debut performances. As the founding cellist and co-Artistic Director of Eighth Blackbird, a groundbreaking contemporary music sextet, Photinos has been instrumental in presenting compositions by esteemed creators like Steve Reich, David Lang, and Nico Muhly.
Photinos expressed his excitement and honor about his return to CCM as the Eminent Scholar in Chamber Music, a role previously held by James Tocco. He acknowledged Tocco's significance in the formative years of Eighth Blackbird, the ensemble he co-founded in 1996 and remained a part of for 24 years.
During his statement, Photinos highlighted Eighth Blackbird's formative years at CCM, where they honed their skills and artistry as chamber musicians. Their experience involved daily rehearsals, business meetings, collaborations with various departments including composition, dance, and drama, concert curation, participation in competitions, and embarking on tours – all facilitated and encouraged by the faculty. While the ensemble originated at Oberlin, their professional foundation was solidified at CCM.
Jonathan Kregor, CCM's Interim Dean, emphasized the institution's history of nurturing exceptional chamber musicians among both its faculty and alumni. He mentioned illustrious names such as James Tocco, the LaSalle Quartet, the Tokyo String Quartet, and Percussion Group Cincinnati, who contributed to CCM's global recognition in the 20th century. Kregor also noted that contemporary groups like the Ariel Quartet, alongside other faculty artists, are steering this legacy into innovative directions.
Considering this legacy, the selection of Nick Photinos as CCM's new Eminent Scholar in Chamber Music holds special significance. He is not only an accomplished performer but also an adept teacher with strong ties to the CCM community. Kregor highlighted that Photinos' illustrious career serves as evidence of the exceptional achievements attainable through a deeply immersive and supportive education in the performing arts.
