Recently Graduated Voice Student Will Travel to Italy Thanks to Fulbright Award

Recent CCM graduate and Fulbright scholar Derrell Acon. Photography by Dottie Stover.

The University of Cincinnati’s Derrell Acon just graduated from the College-Conservatory of Music with a master’s degree and plans to return in 2014 to pursue his doctorate. But in between, Acon will be leaving for Italy this August to pursue both performance opportunities and research thanks to his Fulbright award.

Acon plans to “explore the relationship between the performer and  audience.”

“I will engage in research at the National Institute of Verdian Studies in Parma,” he said. “As well as present my own lecture-recital composition entitled ‘Whence Comes Black Art?: The Construction and Application of ‘Black Motivation,’ which has been presented throughout the United States.”

Acon’s passion for performing began early on, and continued through high school where he was a participant in both solo and ensemble festivals. He was often required to translate, interpret and memorize non-English pieces. That experience might be tedious to some, but he recalls it providing him with “so much joy.”