Georgia Southern Wins Emmy for Symphony Performance

June 12, 2013

Georgia Southern University has been recognized for broadcast excellence by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with a 2013 Emmy Award. The University received the honor for “Best Live Audio” during the Southeast Emmy Awards in Atlanta on June 8.

The award-winning video streaming production of a performance by the University’s Symphony was a collaborative partnership between the Center for Academic Technology Support (CATS) and the Georgia Southern Music Department. Art Berger, Jeremiah Womble, Maestro Adrian Gnam, pianist David Murray and student musicians were honored for their work.

 “This is a great honor to be presented an Emmy Award in the live professional category,” said Art Berger, producer for CATS television and multimedia division.  “It is a true representation of what collaboration can do when departments leverage their talents and resources toward a common good. It benefits everyone especially our students. We are very proud of this accomplishment.”

 The selection, “Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54,” composed by Robert Schumann, was performed by David Murray, D.M.A., assistant professor of piano, and the Georgia Southern Symphony with Maestro Adrian Gnam on December 3. “I am proud of the performance, proud of the collaboration between departments and proud of the finished product,” said Murray. “The fact that we were nominated for an Emmy is, in itself, an amazing honor. Winning the award speaks to the level of professionalism and excellence that are hallmarks of Georgia Southern.”

 The award comes less than two years after the University made a major commitment to technologically  improve events and performances across campus. “We want to create an experience for our students, alumni and fans that illuminates the depth and richness of the University,” said Steven Burrell, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer at Georgia Southern.“We are now able to share the exciting abilities of our student athletes, the inspiring performances and creative works of our faculty and student musicians, thespians and artists and the discoveries of nationally recognized research teams with a worldwide Eagle Nation.”

Berger and  the University’s sports program also received an Emmy nomination for “Best Set Design” for the basketball coach’s show. Last year, Georgia Southern received an Emmy for “Best Student Production” for “Inside Georgia Southern Football.”.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, NATAS, is a professional organization for individuals in the television and broadcasting industry.  NATAS is the standard-bearer for excellence in the television broadcasting industry and the gatekeepers of the prestigious regional EMMY® Awards.  The Southeast Chapter represents the most experienced and talented television professionals from all disciplines of the industry and from each of our television markets (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Asheville, N.C.).

Photo caption: (L-R) David Murray and Art Berger on stage with the Emmy at Georgia Southern’s Performing Arts Center

Photo courtesy: Jeremy Wilburn/Georgia Southern University