Salvatore Macchia, Professor of Composition and String Bass at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has been named chair of the Department of Music and Dance, effective July 1, 2019. He follows
Roberta M. Marvin, who recently completed her three-year appointment as chair.

Macchia, who recently celebrated his 40th season with the department, is well-known for his work as a performer in the European and jazz traditions throughout America and Europe. His compositions have been performed throughout America, in Europe, the former Soviet Union and Japan, including performances at the Warsaw Autumn Festival in Poland, American Academy in Rome, the Computer Arts Festival in Padua, Italy, and the Aspen and Monadnock Festivals in the U.S.