KUORCHESTRA & STRINGS
Kansas University Symphony Orchestra (KUSO) is the primary orchestral organization in the School of Music. The KUSO is open by audition to all students regardless of their degree programs. The KUSO studies and performs standard orchestral repertoire from the Baroque through 20th century, as well as occasional premieres of new works. Concerts often feature a concerto or other solo work with faculty, student or guest soloists. The KUSO personnel often appear in selected KU Opera small performances and the joint productions with KU Theatre for the staging of full operas and musical theatre. The KUSO performs in costume at the popular annual Halloween Concert, and the annual productions of the traditional Holiday Vespers play to sell-out crowds. KU students who play orchestral instruments have an opportunity to be selected for summer internships at the summer Eutin Festival, a professional opera and concert festival in northern Germany. Additionally, students have the opportunity to compete in the annual concerto competition.
Learn how to join at music.ku.edu/orchestra
KU ORCHESTRA & STRINGS FACULTY David Neely Director of Orchestral Activities VĂŠronique Mathieu Director, Division of Strings violin Richard Ryan Lecturer in Strings double bass Erin Wood Lecturer in Strings harp
Philip Kramp Lecturer in Strings 2015-2016
viola Mark Gibbs Lecturer in Strings 2015-2016
cello
“I never expected myself to learn and grow as much as I have in the Orchestra and Strings program.” Casey Gregory Violin Performance ‘17 | McPherson, KS
The Strings Division is comprised of nationally and internationally recognized faculty. Students study with faculty who are in demand as featured soloists with orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the United States and the world, and who are equally active as university faculty and master class teachers. KU Strings faculty members have wide experience in symphonic and chamber music, as well as an extensive list of solo performances. KU string alumni have gone on to important teaching and performance careers and have appeared as soloists with orchestras throughout the region, as well as nationally.
The Sunflower Strings Festival provides an opportunity for advanced instruction for outstanding high school string performers in a supportive, yet challenging environment, Sunflower Strings presents a parallel experience to the successful Prairie Winds Festival - with the goal of being one of the premier honor orchestra festivals in the nation. Sunflower Strings participants will perform onstage at the Lied Center in a joint concert with Prairie Winds groups. More information and applications available online at: music.ku.edu/sunflowerstrings
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
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