Tucson Cello Congress

Tucson Cello Congress 2027

The Tucson Cello Congress annually unites 100 cellists of all ages and experience levels from across the southwest. This year’s theme centers around the concept of Vibrance. The event will feature repertoire from the Mosaic Anthologies and the diverse voices that have shaped music. Classes will include The Physics of Sound, How to Practice, and a Chart Reading class for playing non-classical music. This event is hosted by the University of Arizona and American String Teacher’s Association and features outstanding guest artists, cello ensemble rehearsals, masterclasses, premieres of new works, and a young artist competition. This year’s Cello Congress will feature the award-winning cellist Wesley Baldwin (Professor at the University of Tennessee) who contributed to the Mosaic Anthologies. The event will be held at the University of Arizona School of Music on Saturday, January 16, 2027.

Featured Guest Artist

Wesley Baldwin

Wesley Baldwin is the Professor of Cello at the University of Tennessee, where he received the
Chancellor’s Award for Professional Promise, Dr. Baldwin previously taught at the University of Maryland and Florida International University. He founded and directs the Tennessee Cello Workshop, an annual gathering of more than 170 cellists.

An advocate for great music from all eras. He contributed to the creation of the Mosaic Anthologies that celebrate music by composers traditionally excluded from the pedagogical repertoire. This first set of volumes and their companion recordings feature works by Black and Latino composers from throughout history for the beginning to intermediate string player. His recording of music by Alan Shulman on Albany Records received widespread critical acclaim, and he has also recorded for Naxos, Zyode, Innova, and Centaur labels.

As principal cellist of the New World Symphony, Baldwin performed with many of the world’s great
conductors and toured internationally. He has performed chamber music at festivals across the United
States and internationally in Italy, France, Spain, Austria, Brazil, China, and beyond. Dr. Baldwin holds
degrees from Yale College, the New England Conservatory, and the University of Maryland. He performs throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as a soloist and chamber musician.

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Schedule

9:00	Class A: How to Practice (open to cellists and parents)
9:45	Cello Ensemble Rehearsals
11:00	Classes Class B: Chart Reading: How to Play Pop, Jazz, and Beyond from Charts Class C: Guest Artist Master Class
12:00	Lunch
12:30	Competition Winner Showcase Recital (Holsclaw Hall)
1:30	Classes Class D: The Physics of Sound: Harmonics, Tuning, Acoustics, and More! Class E: Revisiting Familiar Pieces with New Ideas
2:30	Dress rehearsal
4:00	Cello Ensemble Concert (Crowder Hall)

More information and copies of the sheet music will be sent out once you register. Questions may be directed to Theodore Buchholz at theodorebuchholz@hotmail.com.

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Tucson Cello Congress Young Artist Competition

We are proud to host the Tucson Cello Congress Young Artist Competition for highly prepared students. Please consult your private teacher to determine eligibility.

Competition Levels

Students in the 8th grade and below
Students in 9th-12th grade
College students up to 24 years of age

The Kathy Krause Prize for Excellence in Cello

Students in the 8th grade and below: $100
Students in 9th-12th grade: $100
College students up to 24 years of age: $100

Competition Repertoire and Time Limits

The repertoire for studnets in the 8th grade and below will have a time limit of 8 minutes, and the repertoire should be at the Suzuki Book Two level or above. The other levels will have a time limit of 10 minutes. The video submissions can be unaccompanied (send to theodorebuchholz@hotmail.com). Winners must provide piano accompaniment at the Showcase Recital.

Additionally, any cellist can compete for the chance to perform the solo part of Price’s Adoration accompanied by the Advanced Cello Ensemble! The sheet music can be found at https://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/679826/hfnm. Submit an additional video of the Adoration (send to theodorebuchholz@hotmail.com).

The competition videos must be submitted by January 1. You will be notified of the results by email. Those selected will play in Holsclaw Hall the day of the Cello Congress. There will be a $10 entry fee collected upon registration for the Cello Congress.

Any questions regarding repertoire or other contest details should be directed to theodorebuchholz@hotmail.com.

Location

The event will be held at the UA School of Music (1017 North Olive Rd) in Tucson, AZ. For those traveling from out of town, the closest hotels are Tucson Marriott University Park and the Graduate Tucson.

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Tucson Cello Congress Board of Directors:

Theodore Buchholz, Anne Gratz, Gabrielle Halko, Lori Hennessy, Juan Mejia, Michael Santander, Marion Turner, Rachel Vega, and Alice Vierra

Be sure to stop by the Southwest Strings table to interact with one of the world’s leading vendors of
string instruments and supplies.

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