The Louise Taylor and Annie Trawick Chamber Music Series has been established at Rhodes College, thanks to the generous support of Dr. Morris Reagan, a physician and member of the Rhodes College Class of 1960.
Reagan earned degrees in German and chemistry from Rhodes and is passionate about the value of a liberal arts education. Members of his family have attended Rhodes since its inception in Clarksville, TN, to the present day.
The series—named for his mother and grandmother—debuted this spring with a concert by Blueshift Ensemble, a Memphis-based contemporary chamber music ensemble dedicated to bringing artists and audiences together through artistic collaboration. In the fall of 2025, the series will sponsor a residency of Hub New Music to work with Rhodes students, followed by a performance on campus Oct. 20. Originally located in Boston and now in Detroit, Hub New Music has been called “contemporary chamber trailblazers” by The Boston Globe.
Reagan has been a longtime supporter of Hub New Music and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He also has supported the Rhodes College Music Department Equipment Fund in the past.
“I highly value the liberal education I received at Rhodes. Since my student days I have endeavored to continue my education through reading biography, history, and literature. My special interests are Shakespeare, American literature, and classical music,” said Reagan.
Reagan’s goal for the Louise Taylor and Annie Trawick Chamber Music Series is to not only provide Rhodes students with experiences with professional chamber music performers, but also with career opportunities in music.
“The Rhodes College Music faculty are extremely grateful for Dr. Reagan’s generous donation to fund the Louise Taylor and Annie Trawick Chamber Music Series. This endowed series will help foster a broad learning experience for our students and the Rhodes community at large,” said Dr. Carole C. Blankenship, professor of music. “In addition to performances, students will be in conversation with guest musicians, including residencies and classes with world-renowned performers. All concerts will be free and open to the public. We are certain that this chamber music series will impact students in wonderful ways for many years to come.”