Orchestra

LAWRENCE — A group of University of Kansas School of Music students will return to Lawrence’s sister city, Eutin, Germany, to continue the successful music exchange developed between the two cities.

Thirty-three students — instrumentalists and vocalists — will take part in the festival from June 15 to August 20, performing three operas: “Nabucco,” “L’Elisir d’amore” and “Die Blume von Hawaii,” as well as two orchestral concerts and two chamber concerts. Hugo Vera, KU graduate and operatic tenor with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, will also perform in “Nabucco.”

Traveling with the students will be Dean Robert Walzel, who will participate in a chamber music concert, and David Neely, director of orchestral activities. Neely will conduct the final concert of the trip.

“We are again thrilled to participate in this summer’s music festival in beautiful Eutin, Germany,” said Walzel. “We look forward to the time spent in our sister city, and I know the international performance experience will be unbeatable for our students.”

The organizers for the KU/Eutin summer residency are Neue Festspiele, Eutin; and Neely and Walzel with the KU School of Music.

Director

David Neely, KU Symphony
Director of Orchestral Activities

Conducted by David Neely, the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra (KUSO) is one of the outstanding collegiate orchestras in the country, performing well-known works from the standard repertoire for orchestra as well as less familiar literature. In addition to diverse selections from all periods and styles, the KUSO gives performances of works by KU student composers, and has initiated a department-wide concerto competition in the fall, with winners appearing at a concert in the spring.

Click here to read more about the KUSO director.

History

Founded in 1904, the orchestra program at the University of Kansas is one of the oldest in the nation. Dean Skilton first assembled a group of music students to form a rudimentary ensemble and the KU Symphony Orchestra (KUSO) has grown during the ensuing 100 years. The KUSO serves the university community and the greater Lawrence area, while reaching out to audiences in nearby cities.

Click here to read more about KUSO history.

About the orchestra

The University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra offers a fun and challenging musical environment to learn and grow as a person and musician. KU orchestras are open to music majors and non-majors alike.

Those considering a music major will have the opportunity to be challenged to the highest level in preparation for a professional career in music. Please visit the School of Music website to apply to audition to become a music major and to be considered for scholarship.

In addition to applying to become a music major, those interested in the School will also need to fill out an application to the University of Kansas. Those interested in obtaining scholarships are invited to visit the KU Scholarship website.

Prospective students are invited and encouraged to visit campus. To schedule a visit, please make an appointment with the KU Visitor Center 785.864.3911 and set up an appointment to visit with the Director of Orchestral Activities.