Associate Professor of Music Elisabeth Stimpert won a Grammy Award for Best Chamber or Small Ensemble Performance on Feb. 2. Stimpert, a clarinetist with the contemporary ensemble Alarm Will Sound, received the honor for the group’s recording “Land of Winter,” marking a rare national achievement for UCM faculty.
“It has been heartwarming and satisfying to get broader recognition for the work that I do,” said Stimpert. “I am looking ahead to continuing to streamline what makes me happy and what I want to do. I am very grateful for the support and agency that UCM has given me.”
Students and faculty describe the recognition as a significant moment for UCM’s music program, noting that only one other current faculty member has earned a national arts award of this scale.
“This has reinforced my confidence that I am getting a quality education and have been building a network of very competent musicians who I can come to in the future,” said Joey Stewart, a junior in music education.
Alarm Will Sound is a 22-member ensemble known for blending classical training with experimental music styles. The group has released eighteen recordings over its 25-year history. The New York Times has described the ensemble as “one of the most vital and original ensembles on the American music scene.”
“These are my musical family. This is a group of really talented, highly skilled musicians who challenge me every time I work with them to be a better musician. I trust these people to bring their best and bring out the best in me,” said Stimpert.
“Alarm Will Sound was set in motion a long time ago. They have received amazing acknowledgments beyond this recognition alone,” said Michael Bersin, DMA, professor of cello and bass.
The group’s Grammy-winning project, “Land of Winter,” composed by Donnacha Dennehy, runs 55 minutes long and reflects the changing light over a full year in Ireland.
“Donnacha challenges all of us to learn new techniques and learn different stories,” said Stimpert.
Alarm Will Sound maintains an active performance schedule. On Feb. 9, two ensemble members performed on campus with two UCM faculty members. Their upcoming concerts include stops in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Germany, and a 25th‑anniversary performance in St. Louis on May 9. They will also serve as the resident ensemble at the free Mizzou International Composers Festival from July 20–25.
“Anything is possible. We have a world-class faculty that are connected in so many ways outside the local area. If students have a dream, we can help them find it and how to get there,” said Stimpert.
In addition to performing with Alarm Will Sound, Stimpert helps organize the Missouri Experimental Music Sonic Arts Festival. It is focused on experimental music performance. The festival will occur on UCM’s campus March 19–21 and is free and open to the public.
“Stimpert cares about students first. She gives us opportunities to play at different venues. We played for an art gallery opening. She helps host MOXsonic. Her group goes to the Missouri Festival over the summer every year. This gives us real-world examples of professionals on the scene,” said Stewart.
