On Monday evening the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music officially celebrated the naming of the school with an orchestra concert in honor of Rudi E. Scheidt.
The concert was specifically in honor of the endowment Mr. and Mrs. Scheidt made earlier this summer to the department of music, to the tune of $3 million. The music department has hence been renamed the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.
The orchestra concert featured works by Verdi, Mozart, Liszt and Hanson, showcasing the talents of bass-baritone Won Cho and pianist Asuka Taga. New musical director of the University Orchestra, Pu-Qi Jiang was on the podium, and his diverse choice of pieces appeared well received by those in attendance.
Director of the school, Dr. Glenn Chandler, made a presentation following the intermission to Honey and Rudi Scheidt recognizing their generosity and support. Dr. Chandler also gave Mr. & Mrs. Scheidt a dozen roses, for the beauty Mrs. Scheidt has brought to the school, and a marble bridge to Mr. Scheidt for "the bridge he has built for the future."
"Rudi E. Scheidt has given a generous endowment for the school of music which will go a long way for quality ad infinitum" said Dr. Chandler. "And, in addition to his financial support, he continues to support this program with his presence and his encouragement of our program throughout the Memphis community and beyond."
Mr. Scheidt thanked everyone for attending this event, especially Dr. Lane Rawlins, who he individually cited for his involvement with this endowment.
"The Scheidt's have enabled me further my training and personally care about me" Said Karen Schowlater, a doctoral candidate in vocal performance. "On a recent trip to St. Petersburg, they took the time to find me a score of Rimsky-Korsakov's The Snow Maiden. Without their help and support, I would have not enjoyed my recent successes in the Liederkranz Competition and opera roles I'm performing."
A reception following the concert was held in the newly renovated conference room in the music building, displaying past and present works of art from faculty and students.
Among the works of art was "Cityscape," a professional photograph of Memphis by Larry Kuzniewski, specifically commissioned for this event.
