Alumna Anita Graef named Taft Museum Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

Established in 2015, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra/CCM Diversity Fellowship supports emerging artists from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the orchestral world. In partnership with The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the CSO/CCM Diversity Fellowship provides graduate-level violin, viola, violoncello and double bass players with full-tuition scholarships and the opportunity to perform with the CSO while earning a Master of Music or Artist Diploma. Tag-lined "Bravos without Barriers," the two-year program uses a broad definition of diversity—encompassing race, culture and first-generation college students—to eliminate obstacles that prevent young musicians from pursuing a career in classical music.

“It’s incredibly moving that all of these people want to see me succeed and are in my corner,” said Graef in a 2018 interview of her experience as a Diversity Fellow. Graef served as the principal cellist for CCM’s Philharmonia and appeared in several concerts with the CSO during her time at CCM.

The opportunity to work with the CSO taught Graef “the ins and outs of what it takes to be in a professional orchestra and the kind of skills you need for that work,” she said. While earning her master’s degree, Graef appeared in the CSO’s performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 and more.

Since graduating in 2019, Graef has been a champion for change in the industry, programming canonical works alongside world premieres and pieces from underrepresented voices. Her budding career has included performances with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and her concerto debut with the Louisville Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she was the recipient of the 2021 American Prize in Instrumental Performance. She currently serves as the Artistic Director and cellist for the Chicago-based Juliani Ensemble, which performs a wide range of repertoire nationally and internationally.

Established in 1986 with the support of the Duncanson Society, the Duncanson Artist in Residency aims “to affirm an ongoing Black presence within the structure of the Taft Museum of Art,” according to the museum’s website. The Society’s namesake, Robert S. Duncanson, was one of the most renowned African-American painters of the 19th century. While living in Cincinnati, he was commissioned by Nicholas Longworth to paint a series of landscape murals in the latter’s house—now the Taft Museum of Art. Since its inception, the residency has centered the work of poets, opera singers, fashion designers, playwrights, instrumentalists, dancers and more.  

Graef’s residency includes performances, workshops and school visits around the Cincinnati area. Public events include a performance at the Taft Museum on Sunday, April 16, a pop-up performance at Smale Riverfront Park on Friday, April 21, and a concert on Saturday, April 29 at Covington’s Carnegie Arts Center. All three performances are free and open to the public, though registration is recommended for the April 16 and 29 events.