Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Assistant Professor

Hugh Berberich received his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. While in College he began performing professionally and was accepted into three major performing Unions in New York,( AGMA, AFTRA, and AGVA).

He has performed continually since then, including two performances at the White House, performances with the New York Philharmonic with conductors Leonard Bernstein, Georg Solit, Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Roger Norrington, to name a few.

In addition to having performed on countless recordings with the New York Philharmonic, Berberich has appeared on many television broadcasts of major concerts including the Rossini Gala, the Liberty Weekend Spectular broadcast internationally), the Carnegie Hall Grand Re-opening (broadcast internationally) as well as the American premiere of Paul McCartney's Standing Stone" Oratorio at Carnegie Hall. He has been featured at Shea Stadium for the past 15 seasons, leading off over 140 METS games by singing the Canadian and American National Anthems, many of which have been televised as well as broadcast.

As a conductor, Mr. Berberich has served as associate conductor for the Little Orchestra Society of New York, assistant to Zubin Mehta at the New York Philharmonic, Conductor of the Candlelight Concerts of Larchmont, and several special concerts at churches and schools in the tri-state area.

Recently, he has become independent producer for over 20 recording projects for various artists releasing commercial AudioCD's. These include two recordings of Jon Nakamatsu, pianist, who went on to win tip prize in the Van Cliburn Competition last fall. He has also produces 3 recordings for Alice Parker on the G.I.A. label. Mr Berberich is also now head of his own recording company with its own emerging independent record label.

While on sabbatical from his teaching at IONA, he worked as a consultant and content specialist for a music software company. While there, he wrote the design and wrote the content for over 7 CD releases, all of which are still being marketed internationally.

At IONA, Mr. Berberich became full time in l981, teaching music classes as well as creating and directing the IONA College Vocal Ensemble. Currently, he directs the IONA College Singers Ensemble.