Orchestral Ensembles
Ensembles are open to all UMass Amherst students (not just Music majors), subject to auditions held at the beginning of each semester.
All ensembles appear in concert on campus several times a year. Ensembles have also been selected to represent UMass Amherst at conventions and festivals that have included Symphony Hall in Springfield, MA; the Washington, D.C. home of the Marine Band; and the Capitol Building in Boston.
Fall 2023: String placement auditions take place the first week of classes, Tues-Fri, Sept. 5-8
for both UMass Symphony Orchestra UMASO (Tues/Wed/Thurs) and All-University Orchestra AUO (Fri)
Symphony Orch, violins & violas: Wed 9/6 9:30am-1pm & Thurs 9/7 3-6pm (Room 283, Violin studio)
Symphony Orch, cellos & basses: Tues 9/5 11am-2pm (Room 281, Cello studio)
All-University Orchestra, all instruments: Fri 9/8 10am-2pm (Room 283)
Link to main audition info document, including audition excerpts =>
Link to audition sign-up form =>
Link to student information form =>
For Woodwind, Brass and Percussion auditions, please see the Bands webpage. W/B/P players should audition for placement in Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Band.
CONCERTO/ARIA COMPETITION:
2023-24 Season: To be announced
2022/23 Concerto Competition winners: Brian Carr, saxophone; Luca Kevorkian, violin & Zhen Tu, piano
REPERTOIRE & SCHEDULE:
Symphony Orchestra (MUSIC 565-01): Rehearsal Schedule: MWF 2:30-4:10, Rm. 44.
Fall 2023 Concerts: Sat. Oct. 28 @ 7:30pm; Mon. Dec. 4 @ 7:30pm, Tillis Hall
Oct. repertoire: Dukas La Peri Fanfare, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, Dvorák Symphony #9 "New World"
Dec. repertoire: Verdi Nabucco Overture, Mozart G major Flute Concerto, Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade
All-University Orchestra (MUSIC 593J-01): Rehearsal Schedule: Wed 5:30-7 p.m
General ensemble descriptions:
UMASS AMHERST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (MUSIC 565-01)
Gonzalo Hidalgo, Interim Director of Orchestral Activities
Features the most advanced instrumentalists at the University. Admission is through competitive audition in the Fall or Spring. The Orchestra presents four annual concerts. Repertoire emphasizes canonic works for orchestra from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Students are required to practice in preparation for sectionals, rehearsals and performances. Members are annually featured at Multibands and occasionally at special events such as our Boston Symphony Hall performance for the University's 150th Anniversary celebration.
Rehearsals are M,W,F 2:30-4:10, Rm. 44.
ALL-UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA (MUSIC 593J-01)
Gonzalo Hidalgo, Interim Director of Orchestral Activities
Fall 2023: Wed. 5:30-7pm, starting Sept. 13.
This ensemble, presenting two concerts annually, provides all University members an opportunity to perform in a non-competitive atmosphere, and achieve success according to one's individual goals.
Fall 2023 concert: Mon. Dec. 4, 7:30pm, Tillis Hall; shared with UMass Symphony Orchestra
OPUS ONE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Elizabeth Chang, faculty coordinator & coach
Opus One is the primary string chamber ensemble at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As there is no conductor, we demonstrate the potential of a collaborative approach to music making.
In addition to two main concerts every season of select chamber works for string ensembles, Opus One is actively involved in various community efforts in the greater Massachusetts area, including our annual String Day event for musicians of all ages in the Pioneer Valley.
Click to listen to and watch Opus One on YouTube. Facebook page
Fall 2023: Wed. Nov. 8, 2023, 7:30pm, Bezanson
