Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

The SMU Meadows Symphony Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Dallas, Texas. It was founded in 1911 as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and later became the SMU Symphony Orchestra in 1946. In 1977, it was renamed the SMU Meadows Symphony Orchestra in honor of Algur H. Meadows, a prominent Dallas businessman and philanthropist who was a major supporter of the arts. The ensemble is made up of approximately 100 undergraduate and graduate students from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. The orchestra is led by conductor Paul Phillips, who has been the director of orchestral studies at SMU since 1993. Phillips is a highly respected conductor and has led orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The SMU Meadows Symphony Orchestra has a rich history of performances and awards. In 2019, the orchestra was named the winner of the American Prize in Orchestral Performance in the college/university division. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in the performing arts in the United States. Over the years, the orchestra has performed with many renowned soloists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. In 2018, the orchestra performed with pianist Simone Dinnerstein, who is known for her interpretations of Bach's Goldberg Variations. The performance was highly acclaimed, with the Dallas Morning News calling it "a triumph of artistry and collaboration." The SMU Meadows Symphony Orchestra has also collaborated with other arts organizations in Dallas, including the Dallas Opera and the Dallas Theater Center. In 2017, the orchestra performed the world premiere of a new opera, "Bleeding Pines," which was commissioned by the Dallas Opera. The opera was composed by SMU faculty member and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts, with a libretto by librettist Mark Campbell. In addition to its performances in Dallas, the SMU Meadows Symphony Orchestra has toured internationally. In 2016, the orchestra traveled to China, where it performed in Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities. The tour was a major success, with the orchestra receiving standing ovations and rave reviews from Chinese audiences. The SMU Meadows Symphony Orchestra has also been recognized for its commitment to education and community outreach. The orchestra regularly performs for school groups and community organizations, and has developed a program called "Music Memory" that introduces elementary school students to classical music. The program has been highly successful, with over 100,000 students participating since its inception in 1989. Overall, the SMU Meadows Symphony Orchestra is a highly respected and accomplished ensemble that has made significant contributions to the classical music world. With its talented musicians, world-class conductor, and commitment to excellence and community outreach, the orchestra is sure to continue to thrive for many years to come.

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