Morgan State University Music Program and the Italian Cultural Institute of Washington present Passport to Italy— an evening of Italian music at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, performed by MSU students and faculty.
The program features works by nine Italian composers spanning four centuries — from the Baroque masters Pergolesi and Alessandro Scarlatti, through Clementi, Respighi, Busoni, Puccini, Ferro, and Saglietti, to the contemporary minimalism of Ludovico Einaudi.
📍Embassy of Italy
3000 Whitehaven Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Bios of the Morgan State University Performers
Dr. Bruning is an accomplished pianist, educator, and musicologist with expertise in Native-American-influenced music from the early 20th century. She holds degrees in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Drake University and the University of Cincinnati. A sought-after teacher and adjudicator, she regularly presents master classes and has judged prestigious competitions, including the Elizabeth R. Davis Piano Competition and the International Young Artist’s Piano Competition. Recognized for her scholarship, Dr. Bruning has published two volumes of The Indian Character Piece and released a solo album of Native-American-influenced works that earned a Gold Medal from the Global Music Awards. She is also an active collaborative artist, performing with leading brass musicians and recording albums such as Breaking Ground: A Celebration of Women Composers and Sounds of the Chesapeake, both award-winning projects. In addition, she serves as a reviewer for FJH Music Company and Clavier Companion, and as consulting editor for the Succeeding at the Piano series. Since 2018, she has been the primary editor of FJH’s Play Your Scales Everyday series, with new volumes forthcoming in 2025. Dr. Bruning is Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Morgan State University.
An avid recitalist of 20th century music, Dr. James Martin has given performances of solo repertoire for trombone all over the world. In 2019 he was honored to present a full recital of new music for alto, tenor, and bass trombone with organ at the International Trombone Festival. Martin was named Professor of trombone at Shepherd University in 2016 and at Morgan State University in 2023. He received a Master of Music and Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Aarhus, Denmark and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA. Martin studied with Dr. Matthew Niess and Dr. Jeffrey Cortazzo at Shenandoah Conservatory and was awarded a DMA in 2024. Traveling the world gave him the opportunity to take additional studies with an impressive host of trombonists like Brandt Attema, Michael Mulcahy, Jonas Bylund, and Brent Philips, among many others. Martin currently holds the position of principal trombone with The American Pops Orchestra, seen frequently on PBS.
Brian Becker is a senior piano major at Morgan State University who has made remarkable progress in a short amount of time, having studied piano for only four years. Before attending Morgan, he earned his Associate of Arts degree from the Community College of Baltimore County in Essex, Maryland. Brian discovered his passion for music somewhat unexpectedly, but quickly developed a deep commitment to pursuing it as a career. He especially enjoys the works of Chopin and Mozart. After graduating in May, Brian hopes to become a music teacher or continue his studies by pursuing a master’s degree in education, combining his love of music with a desire to teach and mentor others.
Alexandria Kelly is a vocalist at Morgan State University, originally from Georgia with roots in Jackson, Mississippi. She made her national television debut on NBC, performing “Piangerò la sorte mia” and “Il mio bel foco.” In addition to her vocal studies, Alexandria is also an accomplished instrumentalist, performing as a French horn player with the Magnificent Marching Machine. With the ensemble, she has appeared in major events, including the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Judah Walters is a junior piano major at Morgan State University who is passionate about playing and learning more about music. He enjoys sharing the beauty of music through performance and working with others. In addition to piano, Judah likes composing music for chamber groups and exploring his creativity. Outside of school, he works as a summer camp counselor, where he helps plan activities like arts and crafts, sports, and hikes. He enjoys working with children and creating a fun, positive, and supportive environment for them.
Kaleb McPherson is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Voice and Piano at Morgan State University, where he studies with Dr. Lester Green and Dr. Stephanie Bruning (expected 2027). He has performed in a variety of settings, including theatrical, concert, and large-scale arena stages. His recent credits include Harpo in The Color Purple at Morgan State University, as well as ensemble performances with the Morgan State University Choir for Baltimore Ravens home games. He has also appeared as a national anthem soloist at SECU Arena and performed as a backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder and Sarah Brightman. Kaleb is a skilled pianist and sight-reader and is the recipient of the Musicianship Award for Musical Theatre at Morgan State University.
Chase Manigat is a junior piano major at Morgan State University from Bowie, Maryland. He has been studying piano since the age of nine and is passionate about continuing to grow as a musician. Chase is dedicated to improving his skills and deepening his understanding of music, with a particular love for the Romantic era. He has experience performing in church settings and has participated in piano competitions, earning second place in the Larissa Jane Piano Competition in 2015. In addition to performance, Chase is interested in using music to make a positive impact in the lives of others. He aspires to become a pediatric music therapist, combining his love of music with a desire to help children.
Nazarene Maloney is a dedicated young artist pursuing a career in vocal performance. Her passion for music began early, with a strong focus on singing throughout her primary and secondary education. After earning her Associate’s Degree in Music from Prince George’s Community College, she continued her studies at Morgan State University, where she performed with Opera @ Morgan in roles such as Rose in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene and Maria in Ernesto Lecuona’s María La O. Nazarene has earned recognition in several competitions, including the NATS National Student Auditions and the Opera Ebony Benjamin Matthews Competition, where she was named Youth Artist winner. She holds a B.A. in Vocal Music and has taught vocal music and theory in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She also studied in the 2024 Sherrill Milnes VOICE program and was selected for the 2026 Maryland Opera New Voices Program. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Vocal Performance at Morgan State University.
