Lawrence sophomore Ben Frueh on violin, sophomore Isaac Epley on piano, and junior Isabelle Olsen on clarinet perform during a concert at Manhattan School of Music.

Lawrence University took its celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the Conservatory of Music to New York City over spring break.

Eleven students were part of the trip—seeing performances at iconic arts venues, taking part in individual lessons and master classes, and presenting a concert for Lawrence alumni and friends at Manhattan School of Music.

The tour offered multiple opportunities for students to connect with New York area alumni, many of them working in music.

Piano students Isaac Epley, a sophomore, and Benjamin Keating, a senior, took a master class with alumnus Robert McDonald, an accomplished concert pianist and faculty member at The Juilliard School and Curtis Institute of Music.

“His experience teaching at the piano was fascinating and inspiring, and his connection to Lawrence made his teaching and personality all the more meaningful to me,” Epley said.

Sarah Pedlar, a senior flute student, called the gathering with alumni insightful. That included a reception with James Gandre, a Lawrence alumnus now serving as president of Manhattan School of Music.

“The classical music community isn’t all that large as a whole, and the contemporary music community within is even more tightly connected,” Pedlar said. “Every opportunity I get to share my love for contemporary classical music and expand our community is amazing.”

One of the arts opportunities students chose was a recital presented by mezzo soprano Hannah Jones, a 2022 graduate who is now part of the Metropolitan Opera’s young artist program.

“It’s amazing to see how strong the Lawrence network is and how alumni are eager to support and connect with current students, which really speaks to the lasting impact of our school,” said David Smith, a junior.