Conservatory Student Lecture

Sponsored by the Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

Among the many intriguing archives found in the Riemenschneider Bach Institute, there is a collection of letters from a relatively unknown 20th-century organ composer named Roy Spaulding Stoughton to prominent organist and founder of the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, Albert Riemenschneider.

Through their correspondence, we gain an insider's perspective into Stoughton's thought process while crafting his works, almost all of which contain large themes of exoticism. One of these works was written for and dedicated to Riemenschneider, entitled "The Egyptian Suite." Through this work, Stoughton explores Egyptian lands and culture through a stereotypical lens of mysticism, highly influenced by the exoticism that was fashionable at the time.

This presentation will further examine the works of Stoughton and their themes of exoticism in the context of 20th-century contemporary society, as well as how a 21st-century audience can digest and perform these works in an appropriate manner.

The event is free and open to the public.
No tickets required.

About Kiersten Hopko

Kiersten Hopko is a senior music education and music therapy major at Baldwin Wallace University. She currently studies organ with Professor Matthew Wachtman and has formerly studied organ under Dr. Michael Burkhardt.

Hopko is an E. Power Biggs Scholar through the Organ Historical Society, with a focus in research, and was the recipient of the Evelyn A. Gott Scholarship through the Riemenschneider Bach Institute Scholars program at Baldwin Wallace University. Her research presentation "Riemenschneider, Exoticism, and Crocodiles…Oh my!" was featured at the 2025 Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival.

At Baldwin Wallace, Hopko also serves as the Executive Director of Moondaze Jazz, Secretary/Events & PR Chair of Cleveland Student Music Therapists, and is a member of the Baldwin Wallace Cheer Team. Outside of her musical work, Hopko enjoys hiking, photography, baking, reading, and spending time with her friends, family, and four dogs!