Dean's Greetings - February 2026
Dear alumni and friends of the Don Wright Faculty of Music,
As we move into the heart of winter, I am delighted to share another update from a faculty that continues to thrive with extraordinary artistic energy, scholarly ambition, and global engagement.
The momentum that carried us into the academic year has only grown stronger. Our students, faculty, and visiting artists have filled our concert halls, studios, and classrooms with music of remarkable vitality and purpose. We were honoured to host the incomparable Paul Lewis at the beginning of this semester as part of our ongoing partnership with the Vancouver Recital Society, whose exquisite recital and masterclass were a profound gift to our students and community. His artistry and generosity of spirit embodied everything we strive to offer our emerging musicians: excellence, curiosity, and deep musical integrity.
Across the faculty, research and creative activity continue at an exceptional pace. From performance practice and composition to music education, musicology, sound studies, and equity-focused research, our scholars are shaping the future of the discipline while mentoring the next generation of artists and thinkers. Our students, in turn, continue to distinguish themselves through performances, competitions, community engagement, and international opportunities.
This winter and spring bring another exciting array of performances and residencies. Our stages will welcome world-leading artists, ensembles, and collaborators alongside our outstanding student and faculty performers. These events reflect not only the strength of our programs, but also the remarkable cultural ecosystem that Western and London, Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music, continue to foster.
Last month, academic advisor Diane Mills retired after 42 exceptional years at Western. We are endlessly grateful for her devotion and the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind. During the celebration event held last month, I was particularly moved by the students' tribute who fittingly expressed their gratitude in song. I encourage you to share your own tributes and messages for Diane for a booklet we are compiling for her. Also fittingly, her successor - Music alumna Mary Ann McVicar, BMus (Honours) in Voice Performance - was herself once advised by our very own Diane.
As many of you know, I will be stepping down as Dean on June 30, 2026, with great appreciation for one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. Serving this faculty has been a profound privilege. I am deeply grateful to our students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and community partners for their trust, generosity, and shared belief in the transformative power of music.
I am especially pleased that Professor Sophie Roland will serve as Acting Dean beginning July 1. Sophie is an outstanding scholar, performer, and academic leader, and the faculty will be in the very best of hands under her stewardship.
Western Music is a place of rare spirit - defined by warmth, ambition, collegiality, and an unwavering commitment to artistic and scholarly excellence. I step down with immense pride in what we have built together and with great confidence in the faculty’s future.
Thank you for being such an essential part of this remarkable community. Your commitment and generosity form the living legacy of Western Music - one that will continue to inspire voices, shape careers, and change lives for decades to come.
With deep gratitude,
Michael Kim
Dean, Don Wright Faculty of Music
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