MRU Conservatory students fight to keep world renowned teachers

The elimination of two positions held by worldrenowned musicians at Mount Royal University's Conservatory is putting the school's reputation at risk, some critics say.

The contract for cellist John Kadz, who has been with the school for about 40 years, was not renewed.

And violinist Bill van der Sloot, who managed the Academy for Gifted Youth, has been offered a teaching contract instead.

"You're talking two of the most highlyrecognizedmusic teachers in the country," says PaulDornian, president of theCalgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

"So these are rock stars in the classical music world and students literally have come from all over the world to study with them."

EstherCynn, who came from San Francisco to study withKadz, isn't sure what she will do now.

"Itaffects my entire life, this was supposed to be my last year of cello study.I was planning on applying to summer festivals, orchestral programs, under the guidance of these specificteachers at this specific program, " saysCynn.

"It affects my visa situation, I don't know if not enrolling will affect that at all."

Cynnand other music students have launched apetition forKadzand van derSlootto have their jobs reinstated.

It's alreadygarnered lots of support from alumni, other conservatories, andorchestra leaders from around the world.

"I have seen both JohnKadzand Bill van derSlootteach. They are masters of their craft. It is pedagogues like them that make the conservatory what it is," saidNoahBendix-Balgley, firstconcertmaster with theBerlin Philharmonic, in a written statement.

Charlie Webber, the conservatory'sdean of continuing education,says the school has hadto tightenits belt in tough economic times.

Adjusting to downturn

He says the school does not receive funding from Alberta Advanced Education, relying instead on donors, plustuition andticket revenuefrom the adjacentBellaconcert hall,whichopened last year.

"So in terms of our overall fiscal situation it is important to note that we do have to adjust with the downturn that we're all faced with right now, but we're doing thatresponsibly, we're doing that professionally, and it's really important to note any changes are not just financially driven, they're programmatically driven, so that we can continue to make this conservatory a destination for the elite students from around this country," he said.

Dorniansays he's mystified by that rationale.

"I can't see how they would save any money with either of these moves, certainly in the case of JohnKadz, he made money for the conservatory," he said.

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