2022-2023 Artist-in-Residence Program

ESLC is pleased to announce our 2022-2023 Artists-in-Residence!

In 2017, Valley Manor and Eastman School of Music formed an inspirational, mutually beneficial partnership for students and residents. The residents at Valley Manor have a high appreciation for the next generation and supporting the arts and- students need housing – a match made in heaven. The program, which is dubbed Artist-in-Residence, provides housing to graduate students in exchange for a very modest rent. The residence is one academic year; during that time, the student offers monthly performances and honors special requests for performances when it fits into their busy schedule. Students are also welcome, and many times invited by residents to dine in the Bistro or Main Dining Room. This program has been so successful and enjoyable at Valley Manor; ESLC has extended the program to River Edge Manor!

The process of matching a student with our communities and ensuring it is a good fit for all is intentional and thorough. ESLC and Eastman work together to promote the program and sort through applicants. Once narrowed down, staff and resident advisors conduct interviews to introduce themselves and their community and meet the student. From there, ESLC extends an offer for the program to selected students, with high hopes they will accept. So far, we have had perfect matches! ESLC is thrilled to introduce our newest Artists-in-Residence below:

Valley Manor welcomes pianist Hung Phi “Icy” Nguyen. Icy is full of energy, charm, humor and, of course – talent. A native of Vietnam, he started to play piano at the young age of 4 years old. Four years later, Icy entered the highly competitive pre-college program at Ho Chi Minh Conservatory of Music. Icy is fearless regarding repertoire, tackling and surmounting several challenges. He has placed highly in competitions and won the Lawrence Concerto Competition in 2020, as well as the winner of the Wisconsin MTNA Competition in 2019. Besides his passion for classical music, he loves to study different cultures and languages and has a minor in Anthropology. Icy is pursuing his master’s degree at The Eastman School of Music, studying under Dr. Douglas Humpherys.

River Edge Manor is excited for their first Artist-in-Residence, Digba “Timothy” Ogunbiyi, a pianist. Timothy is originally from Nigeria and explores sounds related to his childhood experiences in Lagos. He started the Digba Ogunbiyi Quartet – a musical group that consists of himself as a pianist, alto saxophone, bassist and drummer. This quartet, led by Timothy, began when he was a student at New Jersey University. With his quartet, Timothy stretches the boundaries of genres, often playing original compositions rooted deeply in his upbringing yet highly influenced by his years of studying jazz. He is excited to join the community at River Edge Manor, perform for the residents and continue his education.