News
January 14, 2016
Former Library Fellow Wins Position with Houston Grand Opera
New World Symphony would like to congratulate recent alumna Aspen McArthur, who started the New Year in a new city, as the Music Librarian of the Houston Grand Opera!
She was an NWS Library Fellow for one-and–a-half seasons, ending her fellowship in December 2015, a program she credits with preparing her for her new role. While she attended NWS, Aspen traveled to Europe to further her librarian studies, an opportunity the New World Symphony made possible and one she calls “life-changing.” She toured the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera and the Philharmonie Luxembourg.
"The buildings were amazing. The culture was amazing. The way people talked about music and the way they wanted to go to these classical concerts," Aspen adds, "The most valuable thing was making connections with those people."
Martha Levine, Aspen's mentor and the Director of the Music Library, says librarians have to audition for jobs just like any other musician in the orchestra.
"She does have to show her knowledge both in an interview and in a written test covering all kinds of material," said Martha.
In the video above, Aspen describes the varied responsibilities of a Library Fellow at NWS and relives the highlights of her overseas education.
She says, "I wouldn't have been able to do it on my own in any way. I can't thank New World enough for that. I feel very grateful and very blessed for that."
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