September 5, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
It my great pleasure to recommend Dr. Denis Moreen to you, as musician, pianist, accompanist, instructor, and extraordinary colleague.
I have worked with Dr. Moreen in various capacities at Notre Dame de Namur University, where I direct the musical theatre and vocal programs, for five years. Dr. Moreen allegedly retired from Notre Dame when I began teaching there in fall 2000, but he has continued to be an active, integral, essential part of the Music Department, and of the Musical Theatre program that he had created there.
As I assumed my new, terrifying, position as director/developer of this fledgling musical theatre program, Dr. Moreen guided me with generous insight, information, and materials to start me on my way. He has continued to support the programs, its performances, and the students with his presence, his expertise, and his professionalism.
At Notre Dame, we have two diverse student populations working within one small music department: classical and musical theatre students live under one roof, take many of the same classes, and inhabit the same practice rooms, productions and performances. We must teach them all what they need to know. Last spring, Dr. Moreen had the particular challenge of teaching traditional “Form and Analysis” to a class that included both Bachelor of Music and tap-dancing BFA in Musical Theatre students. Dr. Moreen not only taught an exceptional class that thoroughly introduced these students to some of the great standards of the classical music repertoire, but he kept ALL the students interested, and excited throughout. The musical theatre students not only passed the course, they also enjoyed it!
I have also had the distinct pleasure of performing with Dr. Moreen. He is a wonderful pianist, and accompanist, playing everything from Mozart to Stephen Schwartz with equal style, musicianship, and excitement. Two years ago, I snagged Denis as coach/accompanist for our first full opera production, Mozart’s The Magic Flute. This was a joint production with San Francisco’s Pocket Opera, and the cast ranged from undergraduate students to professional singers. Denis did an exceptional job playing a difficult orchestra reduction, working vocal parts with the students, and playing with our small chamber orchestra for both performances. Last year, when I wanted to sing both a classical and a contemporary theatre piece for a concert, I asked Denis to work with me. He was the only pianist that I was certain would be able to play the “Violin aria” from Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann and “Defying Gravity” from Stephen Schwartz’s musical Wicked with equal competence and flair.
Dr. Moreen has also been a valuable “touchstone” for me as I joined academia from the world of professional performance. I have sought his advice on everything from student conflicts to tenure to the mental/emotional well being of a music/theatre instructor. He has always been supportive, understanding, and insightful, and has provided me with valuable guidance that has made it possible for me to accomplish this transition from the life of performer to teacher.
I recommend Dr. Denis Moreen to you fully, and without reservation. I will be happy to sing his praises to you in person if you would like to give me a call.
Very truly yours,
Debra Lambert
Director, Opera and Musical Theatre programs
Notre Dame de Namur University
650-508-3694
dllambert@sbcglobal.net