New England Conservatory Announces 2021 Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients for its 150th Commencement
This year s recipients are honored for their lifelong commitment to the performing arts and their remarkable contributions to the field.by Alexa Criscitiello
New England Conservatory announces gospel and soul singer Mavis Staples as its 150th annual commencement speaker at its commencement exercises on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
The ceremonies will take place in historic Jordan Hall and be streamed on NEC s website (necmusic.edu). NEC will also bestow honorary Doctor of Music (hon. D.M.) degrees on five distinguished musicians: Carl J. Atkins, Founding Chair of NEC s Jazz Studies Department; Emanuel Ax, classical pianist; Deborah Borda, President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic; Wu Man, pipa virtuoso; and Mavis Staples.