Piano Studies alumna Dr. Isabel Dobarro, who completed her master’s ('12), advanced certificate ('15), and PhD ('21) at NYU Steinhardt, has been awarded the 2025 Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album for her solo recording Kaleidoscope – Contemporary Piano Music by Female Composers from Around the World. A celebrated international performer, she has appeared and lectured at major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, the European Parliament, and the National Auditorium in Madrid.
A dedicated advocate for women in music, Dobarro has been widely recognized for her efforts to bring female composers to the forefront. She has presented her work at major international forums, including the Women Now Conference, where she appeared with Her Majesty Queen Letizia of Spain and producer Kathleen Kennedy.
In 2016, she co-founded the Women in Music Project, an initiative designed to support and broaden opportunities for women composers worldwide. Kaleidoscope embodies this mission, spotlighting contemporary women whose diverse backgrounds, cultural perspectives, and distinguished achievements—including GRAMMY, Pulitzer, Guggenheim, and Latin Grammy honors—are helping to shape today's musical landscape. "We're very proud of Isabel for her advocacy for new music and breaking down barriers," said Marilyn Nonken, Chair, Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions; Director of Piano Studies. "When people realize that there is no distinction between 'classical' and 'contemporary' music, the world opens up."