The UNCSA Symphony Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The orchestra was founded in 1968 as part of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), a public arts conservatory that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in dance, drama, music, and film. The UNCSA Symphony Orchestra is composed of approximately 80 student musicians, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The orchestra is led by a team of professional conductors, including Christopher James Lees, who serves as the Director of Orchestral Activities and Conducting Studies at UNCSA. Over the years, the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra has become known for its high level of musicianship and its commitment to performing a wide range of classical repertoire. The orchestra has collaborated with a number of renowned soloists and conductors, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Marin Alsop. One of the highlights of the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra's history was its performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 2011. The orchestra was invited to perform as part of the Kennedy Center's Conservatory Project, which showcases the talents of young musicians from across the country. The UNCSA Symphony Orchestra's performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and helped to raise the profile of the orchestra on a national level. In addition to its performances at the Kennedy Center, the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra has also been recognized for its excellence in a number of other ways. The orchestra has won numerous awards and competitions, including the American Prize in Orchestral Performance in 2015 and 2016. The orchestra has also been featured on a number of recordings, including a 2017 album of works by composer Michael Torke. Despite its many accomplishments, the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra remains committed to its mission of providing a high-quality musical education to its students. The orchestra's members are encouraged to develop their skills as both performers and leaders, and are given opportunities to collaborate with other musicians and artists from across the UNCSA community. Overall, the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra is a testament to the power of music education and the importance of supporting young musicians. Through its performances and educational programs, the orchestra has inspired countless individuals to pursue their passion for classical music and to strive for excellence in all that they do.

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