Michael Reynolds Named CFA School of Music’s Next Director
Michael Reynolds Named CFA School of Music’s Next Director
Reynolds is the founding cellist of the world-renowned Muir String Quartet, and established the Classics for Kids Foundation to support string programs serving rural and at-risk youth across the United States
Boston University College of Fine Arts announces the appointment of Michael Reynolds as the next Director of the School of Music effective July 1, 2024.
Michael Reynolds, a professor of cello at CFA School of Music, has been the founding cellist of the world-renowned Muir String Quartet since its inception in 1979. As a member of the Muir Quartet and as soloist and chamber musician, Mr. Reynolds has performed over 2,000 concerts throughout North America, Europe and the Far East, and he has performed with such diverse artists as Leon Fleisher, Menachem Pressler, Gil Shaham, Richard Stoltzman, Phyllis Curtin and Benny Goodman. Accolades he has won with the Muir Quartet include first prize at the Evian Competition, the 1981 Naumberg Award, two Grand Prix du Disques, the Gramophone Award, a Grammy nomination and a Grammy on the EcoClassics label he founded, and an internationally acclaimed PBS broadcast, “In Performance at The White House” for President and Mrs. Reagan.
A native of Montana, he received his professional training at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was a student of David Soyer and Martita Casals, continuing with Karen Tuttle and George Neikrug at Yale University.
Mr. Reynolds has appeared with orchestras and in recital throughout the U. S., and his recording of the complete Bach Suites for Solo Cello on the EcoClassics label has received much critical acclaim. Recent recordings include the Muir Quartet performing Berg Op. 3, Kreisler Quartet and Schulhoff 5 Pieces on the KidsClassics label, and the Beethoven Clarinet Trio (after the Septet) and Zemlinsky Trio with clarinetist Richard Stoltzman and pianist Judith Stillman on KidsClassics. Upcoming recordings include works from the Klezmer Tradition with clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein and the Muir Quartet. Profits from these recordings support Classics for Kids Foundation’s grant programs.
In 1997, Reynolds established the Classics for Kids Foundation (CFKF), a grant program that supports string programs serving rural and at-risk youth in all 50 states. The foundation’s matching grants fund high-quality string instruments, including ukuleles, guitars, and harps.
Mr. Reynolds has taught at Boston University College of Fine Arts since 1983. His students continue to develop successful careers in music, including members of the Boston Symphony and other orchestras, teachers at universities and other institutions internationally, four Boston Symphony Competition and numerous other competition winners.
“Michael Reynolds is a champion for the transformative power of music on a person’s life, especially young people,” says CFA Dean Harvey Young. “As an award-winning musician, an engaged mentor, and a prominent philanthropist, he has a clear vision for how to further elevate an already accomplished, trailblazing School of Music.”
School directorships rotate among senior faculty. The College thanks and will soon celebrate Gregory Melchor-Barz, who has led CFA School of Music for the past five years, and who will return to the full time teaching faculty.