MVP Member of the Month: Milton Masciadri, PhD
By Barbara Myers Myers Mason APR
Drumroll, please! ?? Our MVP Member of the Month is the extraordinary Dr. Milton Masciadri! This internationally acclaimed musician, UGA professor, and Rotary Club member is a true inspiration. From his UN Artist for Peace title to his countless awards, Dr. Masciadri's impact is global. Let’s celebrate this incredible individual!
Milton Masciadri, PhD, who holds a Doctorate degree in Musical Arts, is a Distinguished University Professor of Double Bass at the University of Georgia in Athens, where he has been a member of the faculty at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music since 1984.
In addition, he has served as the principal bassist for the Augusta Symphony since 1985.
This talented professional has also been a member of The Classic City of Athens Rotary Club since 2008. Five years later, his club nominated him for the Lee Arrendale Award, which he was awarded at the District 6910 Conference held in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Dr. Masciadri said he was motivated to serve his community and the world through his work as the coordinator of the Hodgson School’s International and Study Abroad Program. Each year, he also directs the UGA International Double Bass Symposium. In addition, he served for 25 years as a United Nations Artist for Peace, which also contributed to his dedication to service above self. Through the years, he has enjoyed serving his club as the International Service Chair. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow.
Dr. Masciadri is a third-generation double bass player. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he began his studies with his father and by age 17 was co-principal bassist with the Porto Alegre Symphony in Brazil. By age 19, he was on the faculty at Brazil’s Federal University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in music and chemical engineering. He also earned a master’s degree in music from the University of Hartford and a doctorate degree from the State University of New York.
Dr. Masciadri is a frequent recitalist and soloist with major symphony orchestras in Europe, Asia, North America, Central America and South America. He has presented masterclasses at such musical institutions as The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Paris Conservatoire, Guildhall School of Music in London, Moscow Conservatory, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires National Conservatory, and the Milan Conservatorio, among others.
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In 2009, Dr. Masciadri received the title of Distinguished University Professor at UGA. He was the first faculty member in the fine arts to be so honored in 62 years. He also holds the title of “Accademico” of the Accademia Filarmonica in Bologna, Italy – Europe’s oldest musical education institution. He has been awarded the Brazilian Medal of Honor for Academic Achievements for his musical and educational services to the people of Brazil, is listed in the International Who’s Who in Music, and was designated a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 1998.
In 2011, he received the Knighthood honor of the designation of Cavaglieri di San Marco in Venice. Four years later in 2015, he was awarded the Leonardo da Vinci World Award for the Arts by the World Cultura Council, the first musician to receive the award since its inception. In 2016, the University of Georgia awarded him the SEC Academic Achievement Award.
Dr. Masciadri performs on a 320-year-old Testore double bass, and has solo recordings on DMR, ACA, Fondazione and Sinfonica labels.
He is married to Rosanna Masciadri, DMD, who owns a dental practice primarily focusing on preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Athens. The couple has two married sons.
Join me in celebrating such a decorated and talented Rotarian!
