On May 24, Ellen received the honorary degree of Doctor of Music from The Juilliard School at its 120th commencement ceremony, with, in the words of Juilliard Dean of Music David Ludwig, “our tremendous gratitude for the deep humanity of your life and music, and the breadth and depth of your many accomplishments.”
Five members of the 2025 graduating class performed the final movement of Ellen’s Quintet for Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, and Piano at the ceremony.
Ellen with Juilliard President Damian Woetzel
With Damian Woetzel
Ellen, front row right, with fellow honorary doctorate recipients (L to R) Alicia Graf Mack, Masaaki Suzuki, Gustavo Dudamel, Darren Walker, and Marsha Norman