MEDIA CONTACT: Stacia Smith
561-297-2971 or ssmith@fau.edu

FAU's School of the Arts Names Maestro Bob Lappin Cultural Leader of the Year

BOCA RATON, FL (May 10, 2004) - The School of the Arts in Florida Atlantic University's Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters has named Maestro Bob Lappin, founder, music director and conductor of the Palm Beach Pops, as Cultural Leader of the Year. Lappin is the first winner of this annual award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts. Lappin received the award at the School of the Arts' inaugural year celebration, which was hosted by Dean William A. Covino. The event was held at the Baldwin House on FAU's Boca Raton campus.

"We are proud to have Bob Lappin as the first recipient of the Cultural Leader of the Year award," said George Sparks, director of FAU's School of the Arts. "Bob's musical instinct and creative talent are an inspiration to all."

Lappin started his music career touring with the Music Corporation of America (MCA). He came to South Florida in 1982 with aspirations of building a pops orchestra. The Palm Beach Pops debuted in a concert at the Kravis Center in 1992. Since then, Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops have entertained audiences of all ages with unique and diverse programs.

appin's dedication to the preservation and growth of the orchestra has made it one of the premier orchestras in the country.
In addition to being named Cultural Leader of the Year, Lappin will serve as Distinguished Artist Scholar-in-Residence at FAU's School of the Arts. The School of the Arts enjoys the talent of top students, nationally known faculty and artists-in-residence. It is this talent that has made the school a valuable resource for the arts.

"South Florida has come to think of FAU as a distinguished venue for the arts," said William A. Covino, dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. "Our faculty members are among the best in the country, and our reputation for excellence has drawn world renowned visiting artists."

During its inaugural year, over 20,000 people attended School of the Arts' events. These included more than 30 concerts of jazz, chamber, choral and orchestral music, seven theatrical performances and ten visual art exhibitions. The works of top faculty and artists-in-residence were complemented by visiting artists, such as jazz musician Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Equity actor Jerry Gulledge and the works of Uruguayan visual artists Gustavo Serra and Daniel Batalla.

For further information on the School of the Arts, contact George Sparks at 561-297-3822 or go to www.fau.edu/artsupdate.

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