Orchestra
The University Philharmonic 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 University Philharmonic 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.
The educational and artistic experience of Philharmonic 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 University Philharmonic’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.
Membership and participation in the University Philharmonic is available to all university students – even those pursuing degrees beyond music. Auditions are required prior to enrolling, and it is recommended that students also enroll in private lessons with a member of the School of Music Faculty.
Stay Connected
You can stay connected with us on social media by visiting our Instagram account @muphilharmonic!
Chamber Soloists Ensembles
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.
University Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Series
Experience a diverse range of music performed by students from across Mizzou. The University Philharmonic 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 2024 Performances
Women in Music
Program:
- Florence Price – The Oak
- Keiko Abe – Prism Rhapsody
- Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade
Soloist:
- Sarah Hasekamp, Marimba Soloist (MU Alum and Soloist Competition Winner)
Location: Missouri Theatre
Time: 3 p.m.
Admission: $5 at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students
The American School
- In collaboration with the Columbia Civic Orchestra
- Dr. Stefan Freund, Conductor for No Apologies
- Dr. John McKeever, Conductor for blue cathedral and Symphony No. 2 "Romantic"
Program:
- Jennifer Higdon – blue cathedral
- Stefan Freund – No Apologies
- Howard Hanson – Symphony No. 2 “Romantic”
Location: Jesse Auditorium
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: $5 at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students.
Choral Union
- Dr. Brandon Boyd, Conductor
Program:
- Leonard Bernstein, arr. Rao – Mass – Concert Selections for Soloists and Chorus
- Ralph Vaughan Williams – Dona nobis pacem
Soloists:
- Alexandra Schoeny, Soprano (MU Faculty)
- Matthew Goodheart, Tenor
- Patrick Graham, Baritone
Location: Jesse Auditorium
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: $25
Spring 2025 Performances
Musical Vienna
Program:
- Johann Strauss II – Blue Danube Waltz
- Alban Berg – Violinkonzert
- Johannes Brahms – Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn
Soloist:
- Julie Rosenfeld, Violin Soloist (MU Faculty)
Location: Missouri Theatre
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: $5 at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Yeoman of the Guard
- In collaboration with Show-Me Opera
Program:
- Gilbert and Sullivan – The Yeoman of the Guard
Location: Missouri Theatre
Dates & Times: 3/15/25 at 7 p.m. and 3/16/25 at 2 p.m.
Admission: $25
French Flair
Program:
- Lili Boulanger – D’un matin de printemps
- Maurice Ravel – Ma Mère l’Oye: 5 pièces enfantines
- Georges Bizet – Symphony No. 1 in C Major
Location: Missouri Theatre
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: $5 at the door for community members and free for MU Faculty, Staff, and Students.
Orchestra Faculty
