Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

The University of Miami Symphony Orchestra (UMSO) is a classical music ensemble based in Coral Gables, Florida. Founded in 1946, the orchestra has a rich history of excellence in performance and education. The UMSO was established by the University of Miami's Department of Music, which sought to provide students with the opportunity to perform in a professional-level orchestra. The ensemble's first conductor was Arnold Volpe, a renowned conductor and music educator who had previously led the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas City Philharmonic. Under Volpe's leadership, the UMSO quickly gained a reputation for excellence. The orchestra's first major performance was in 1947, when it performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the Miami Choral Society. The performance was a resounding success, and the UMSO soon became a fixture of the Miami music scene. Over the years, the UMSO has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Fabien Sevitzky, John Bitter, and Thomas Sleeper. Today, the orchestra is led by its current conductor, Gerard Schwarz, a renowned conductor and former music director of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. The UMSO is made up of approximately 90 student musicians, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The ensemble includes undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, as well as students from other academic programs at the university. The UMSO's repertoire is diverse, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. The orchestra has performed works by composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky, as well as works by contemporary composers such as John Adams and Jennifer Higdon. One of the UMSO's most notable performances was in 1990, when it performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The orchestra was invited to perform as part of the Kennedy Center's "American College Orchestra Festival," which showcased the best college orchestras from around the country. The UMSO's performance was a highlight of the festival, and it received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. In addition to its performances, the UMSO is also committed to music education. The orchestra regularly collaborates with local schools and community organizations to provide music education programs and performances for young people. The UMSO also offers a number of educational opportunities for its own members, including master classes with visiting artists and opportunities to perform with guest conductors. Over the years, the UMSO has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and educational programs. In 2015, the orchestra was awarded the "American Prize" in the college/university orchestra division, recognizing its excellence in performance. The UMSO has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Florida Department of State for its contributions to music education. In conclusion, the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra is a world-class ensemble with a rich history of excellence in performance and education. From its founding in 1946 to its current leadership under Gerard Schwarz, the UMSO has been a fixture of the Miami music scene and a source of pride for the University of Miami. With its commitment to music education and its dedication to excellence in performance, the UMSO is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.

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