Celebrating Achievements: Introducing Mia Ruhman, Speaker of the 2025 Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony
In the heart of California, where the Santa Monica Mountains blazed in January 2025, a remarkable story of resilience and creativity unfolded. Mia Ruhman, a fourth-year music composition major at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, was hard at work on her latest project - an original pop opera named 'Nannerl.'
Ruhman's passion for music began in her early years, and she soon found herself writing melodies and songs. At 15, she decided to pursue formal training in composition and set her sights on UCLA. Her dedication paid off when she was awarded the Los Angeles Philharmonic Composer Fellowship for high school students in 2019.
'Nannerl,' a full-fledged theatrical production, is about Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's older sister, who was also a child prodigy and toured Europe with her family. However, Ruhman is saddened by accounts that try to portray Nannerl as a 'Girl Boss' or a victim. She has extensively researched Nannerl's life, including her private letters and diaries, to ensure accuracy in her portrayal.
On the fateful day of January 7, 2025, a fire started in the Santa Monica mountains. Ruhman, who lived in Pacific Palisades, was recording tracks for 'Nannerl' at her home. As the winds intensified, the fire approached the Palisades, eventually leading to the start of the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Ruhman, along with her father, took shifts to spray down their house and yard to protect it from the flames. Despite the challenging circumstances, Ruhman continued to record whenever she could. By midday, the sound of her house creaking under the force of the wind was audible on the recording.
In the ensuing evacuation, Ruhman collected birth certificates, important documents, and pets, packed valuables and clothes, checked on an elderly neighbor, and left when the water supply was cut off. Despite the loss of her home and neighbourhood, Ruhman remains determined to keep going.
By June 2025, Ruhman successfully completed 'Nannerl,' marking a significant milestone in her journey as a composer. The opera stands as an original work that defies easy categorization, much like Nannerl's life. Ruhman's commitment to doing justice to Nannerl's real personality and life experiences shines through in her opera.
As Ruhman looks forward to orchestrating 'Nannerl' for a small orchestra after graduation, her resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to many. The completion of 'Nannerl' is a testament to Ruhman's dedication to her craft and her deep respect for the life and legacy of Maria Anna Mozart.
In the midst of the challenges faced during the Palisades and Eaton fires, Mia Ruhman's dedication to her personal growth and her craft, as seen in her relentless work on her opera 'Nannerl', remained unwavering. Reflecting her comprehensive research on home-and-garden projects, Ruhman ensured that her interpretation of Maria Anna Mozart's life in 'Nannerl' was truthful and respectful, showcasing her commitment to education-and-self-development and contributing significantly to her lifestyle as a composer.
