University Symphony Orchestra
Nobuyoshi Yasuda, Conductor
The University Symphony Orchestra is a select ensemble of 70 - 80 musicians consisting of both music major/minor and non-music major students. The orchestra's activities include performing a concert every spring and fall semester, and the annual Holiday Concert and Viennese Ball. The orchestra also performs full-staged operas and musicals for UWEC theatre, most recently outstanding performances of the opera, 'Marriage of Figaro' by W. A. Mozart and the musical, 'Sweeney Todd' by Stephen Sondheim. The orchestra performs extensive symphonic repertoire such as symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Tchaikovsky, and Mahler, and works by Debussy, Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, and Wagner.
Auditions
We are always looking for more talented violinists, violists, cellists and bassists for our orchestras. Every year we hold auditions and regardless of where your academic interests lie, we want to make sure you can still express yourself creatively. If you're interested in auditioning, don't wait! Contact Professor Nobuyoshi Yasuda (yasudan@uwec.edu) for more information.
Eileen Phillips Cohen String Scholarship
All four members of the Eileen Phillips Cohen String Quartet receive full in-state tuition for the academic year, and there is the potential for the scholarship to cover a full four-year degree. Financial need is not a consideration. The Quartet is coached regularly by UWEC string faculty, is featured at major departmental and university events, and provides regular recitals. The recipients of the scholarships are also expected to be leaders of the University Symphony Orchestra. The generosity of the L.E. Phillips Family Foundation has created an opportunity for music students through this scholarship rarely seen at the undergraduate level.