On May 2, over 80 guests attended a special library event featuring respected musicologist and pianist Dr. Nors Josephson in a spectacular piano concert and lecture. The event was held in UCI’s Winifred Smith Hall, preceded by a lovely wine-and-cheese reception in the Maya Lin Arts Plaza.

University Librarian Gerry Munoff introduced Dr. Josephson and described how his relationship with the Libraries began in 1975 when, as a Music Professor at CSU Fullerton, he would take the bus to UCI and spend the day doing research in the music collections. Since Dr. Josephson’s retirement in 1992 and subsequent move to Germany, the Libraries have continued to stay in touch with him through support of his ongoing research projects.

Dr. Nors Josephson in concert

Josephson opened the program with an engaging talk about the history and evolution of post-modern music that set the stage for his impressive performance of the works of composers Paul Reale and Neil Raines, to whom he has especially devoted himself to study and perform. The first half of the concert featured a performance of Three Evocations for Solo Piano by Neil Raines. Josephson concluded the program with Piano Sonata No. 7, Veni Creator Spiritus, by Paul Reale.

Dr. Josephson received his Ph.D in historical musicology (Catholic Church music) from the University of California, Berkeley in 1970. Later he taught at Smith College and California State University, Fullerton, where he retired as Professor Emeritus.