'Inspiring' Music Professor Dies

Ivan A. Tcherepnin '64, a composer and the director of Harvard University's Electronic Music Studio for over 25 years, died last Saturday at the age of 55.

"This has been a very great loss for the department, our students, and the world of new music," said Professor Kay K. Shelemay, chair of the music department.

Tcherepnin's students included a number of prominent musicians, such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma '76 and violinist Lynn Chang '75.

In 1996, his piece "Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra" won the $150,000 Grawmeyer Award from the University of Louisville.

Tcherepnin was well-known for his eclectic style, and his award-winning piece includes music from both his father and grandfather as well as composers ranging from Ockeghem to John Coltrane.

Tcherepnin specialized in analog and digital music, but had developed a wide variety of interests. Beginning in 1978, he taught a multi-disciplinary course entitled "Sound and Image" with Hooker Professor of Visual Arts Alfred F. Guzzetti.

Guzzetti praised Tcherepnin's musical innovation.

"As an artist he was open to every-thing...He was tremendously accepting as both an artist and a person," Guzzetti said.

Nancy B. Shafman, music department administrator, praised Tcherepnin's gift for teaching.

"He filled a very special role for undergraduate students in the way he was so creative and inspiring to them," she said.

Tcherepnin had a rich musical back-ground. Born in Paris, he was the son and grandson of composers. His mother, Lee Hsien-Ming, was the first female pianist to graduate from Shanghai Conservatory.

Tcherepnin attended Harvard as an undergraduate and later studied in Europe. He worked with composers John Cage and David Tudor while living in San Francisco.

He is survived by his wife, Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin, a daughter, three sons and two brothers.