Brandeis student is doing just ‘Fine’

PROFILE. Brandeis sophomore Nicholas Brown is busy. Not in the stereotypical college-student sense, skimming chapters of “The Norton Anthology” between keg stands. Brown is majoring in musical history at the Waltham university, and showcasing his multi-instrumental talents in six separate bands, orchestras, choruses and choirs.   

But what has occupied most of his time is the upcoming Annual Irving Fine Memorial Concert. As the musical director and founder of Brandeis’ Irving Fine Society, dedicated to performing the works of 20th century composers, Brown’s group will be the only student-led ensemble taking part in the program .

“Back in 2006, I decided I wanted to start an ensemble to do a concert of Leonard Bernstein’s music for the Festival of the Creative Arts. That led me on a journey to discover who Irving Fine was,” explains Brown. “He is one of the most important 20th century American composers.”

“I found myself thinking, I’ve been immersed in music since I was a kid and I don’t know anything about Irving Fine,” he says.

Despite Brown’s penchant for musical leadership (”I have a little bit of OCD,” he admits.), he’s not alone in his passion for the Irving Fine Society.

“I’ve been working with Irving Fine’s daughter, Claudia, and her daughter, Nina Hurwitz, sings with the ensemble,” he gushes.

What’s next for this overachiever? “My dream is to conduct the Boston Pops, without a doubt,” he says.

Irving Fine Concert
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Slosberg Recital Hall at Brandeis University
415 South St., Waltham
Free, 781-736-3331
www.irvingfinesociety.org