In Memoriam
Remembering Dominick Argento
Professor Emeritus Dominick Argento passed away on February 20, 2019 at the age of 91. Professor Argento was a teacher, mentor, supportive friend of many, and a major force in the lives of thousands of students and performers during his nine decades. We were pleased that we were able to highlight his accomplishments in the College of Liberal Arts’ 150 Anniversary Celebration. Argento’s towering talent earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Music, a Grammy Award for Best Classical Contemporary Composition, a George Peabody Medal, and many more accolades. School of Music Director Michael Kim says, “His legacy and impact went far beyond the University and influenced and encompassed many aspects of America’s vast musical landscape. He was a true ambassador for our School of Music.”
A memorial concert was held on June 18, 2019 in Ted Mann Concert Hall and featured performances by Sam Nelson (boy soprano), Maria Jette (soprano), Michael Sutton (violin), Vern Sutton (tenor), and Jeffrey Van (guitar), accompanied by musicians from the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and VocalEssence, and with support from The Schubert Club, University of Minnesota School of Music, and the Minnesota Opera. Remembrances were given by Barry Kempton (artistic and executive director, The Schubert Club), Rick Walters (vice president, classical & vocal publications, Hal Leonard), U of M Professor Emeritus Vern Sutton, and Argento’s niece, Nicki Rambeau. Michael Kim, director of the School of Music, served as emcee.
Remembering David Ferguson
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that David Ferguson, friend of the School of Music and son of Professor Donald Ferguson, passed away on September 18, 2018. School of Music Director Michael Kim says, “We were deeply saddened to hear of Dave Ferguson’s passing. A generous and kind friend to the School of Music, Dave leaves a profound legacy that touched and influenced the lives of so many School of Music students. We are eternally grateful to him and the Ferguson family for all that they have done to further the cause of music within the University and Twin Cities communities.”
From his obituary: “David L. Ferguson, Sr., 95, died Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at his home in Chicago with his family in attendance. Born in 1922 in Minneapolis, MN, to Donald and Arline, Dave graduated from the University of Minnesota. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during WWII. He worked in marketing research for IDS as an executive vice president. His avocation was always the cello, and he played with the Minneapolis Civic Orchestra until retirement and 7 then spent winters in Florida, where he played with the Florida West Coast Symphony for 25 years.
He was active in supporting his church, in volunteerism, and as a sailor. A lasting legacy was the establishment of educational scholarships for the School of Music at the University of Minnesota. Dave is survived by his daughter Julie (Mike Decker) and his sons David (Susan) and Mark (Phyllis Young) as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley and their son Scott. Donations may be directed to the Ferguson Family Scholarship in care of: Colleen Donahue, Office of Institutional Advancement, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota 220 Johnston Hall, 101 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 626-5141.”
Remembering Alumnus Rush Williams
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Rush Williams (MM 2004, voice) passed away on December 21, 2018, after a valiant battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. A celebration of his life took place in New York City on April 13, 2019 at Middle Collegiate Church (112 2nd Ave, New York, NY).
Williams is survived by his husband, alumnus Michael Heaston (MM 2004, collaborative piano/coaching), who worked to establish the Dr. Rush C. Williams Award for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where Williams received his PhD and also served as co-chief resident. This annual award will be bestowed upon a student graduating from the program.
Leave Your Legacy in Music
To make an estate gift, contact Jessica Waller at 612-626-5141 or jwaller@umn.edu. Your gift will support performers, scholars, composers, conductors, therapists and educators who will transform our lives and communities through music.
Tutti. (Italian) all. every musician to take part.
Tutti is the annual magazine of the University of Minnesota School of Music.
