Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra presents outstanding performances of orchestral works from the 18th century to the present. Its membership includes music majors, non-majors, graduate students and undergraduates all devoted to the serious study and passionate performance of great symphonic music.
From the classics of Bach, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel and Mahler to world premieres of 21st century works, the Symphony Orchestra studies and performs great masterworks of the orchestral repertoire at award-winning levels of excellence. The ensemble regularly performs in the historic Missouri Theater and in venues across the state. Its touring performances have included five appearances at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention, appearances at the 2019 American Choral Directors Association Conference, performances at the 1996 Music Educators National Conference in Kansas City, MO and in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2006.
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Performance, Collaboration, and Growth
Opportunities
The educational and artistic experience of Symphony Orchestra members is enriched each year with performances of major choral-orchestral works as part of the University’s Choral Union series, and in performances of major operatic works as part of the University’s “Show-Me Opera” program. Students enrolled in lessons can also compete in the annual soloist competition. Winners, selected by outside judges, will have the opportunity to perform complete works for soloist and orchestra as a part of the Symphony Orchestra’s season schedule.
The orchestra has had the privilege of sharing the stage with internationally renowned artists such as Bobby McFerrin, the Beaux Arts Trio, the Bach Aria Group; operatic divas Marilyn Horne and Monserrat Caballe; pianists Santiago Rodriguez and Minoru Nojima; violinist Xiang Gao; and conductors Aaron Copland, Otto-Werner Mueller, Nicolai Rescigno, Robert Shaw, and Evgeni Ratchev.
Chamber Soloists
Students who participate in string chamber music are placed in appropriate ensembles and coached by a member of the Esterhàzy Quartet. The objectives of the groups differ, some doing a great deal of public performance and others spending most of their time learning chamber music techniques and literature. These objectives are determined in consultation with the students. Sections are often combined with pianists or wind players in order to perform the masterpieces of chamber music literature. Admission is by consent of the string faculty.
Symphony Orchestra
Concerts
Experience a diverse range of music performed by students from across Mizzou. The Symphony Orchestra performs six times per year in Jesse Auditorium and Missouri Theatre. Shows are typically 1-1.5 hours with intermission, and typically including 3-4 pieces with a solo.
Fall 2025 Performances
Conductor:
- Dr. John McKeever
Program:
- Barber – Second Essay for Orchestra
- Mozart – “Parto, parto, ma tu ben mio” from La Clemenza di Tito
- Sibelius – Symphony No. 2
Soloist:
- Kennedy Kinnick - mezzo soprano (Soloist Competition Winner)
Location: Missouri Theatre
Time: 3 p.m.
Admission: $5 (card only) at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students with MU ID.
Conductor:
- Dr. John McKeever
Program:
- Marquez – Conga del Fuego Nuevo
- Dai Wei – The Dancing Moonlight
- Stephanie Berg – Ravish and Mayhem
- Stravinsky – The Firebird Suite (1919)
Location: Missouri Theatre
Time: 3 p.m.
Admission: $5 (card only) at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students with MU ID.
Spring 2026 Performances
Conductor:
- Ellie Chang, Conductor
Program:
- Holst – St. Paul’s Suite for Full Orchestra
- Montgomery – Shift, Change, Turn
- Dvorak – Seven Pieces for Small Orchestra
Location: Missouri Theatre
Time: 3 p.m.
Admission: $5 (card only) at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students with MU ID.
Show-Me Opera
- In collaboration with Show-Me Opera
Conductor:
- Dr. John McKeever
Program:
- Humperdinck – Hansel and Gretel
Location: Missouri Theatre
Dates & Times: 3/14/26 at 7 p.m. and 3/15/26 at 2 p.m.
Admission: $5 (card only) at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students with MU ID.
Program:
- Verdi – Nabucco Overture
- Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Movement I
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5
Soloist:
- Hanyu Zhang - piano (Soloist Competition Winner)
Location: Missouri Theater
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: $5 (card only) at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students with MU ID.
Orchestra Faculty
