University Symphony Orchestra

Bruce Uchimura, Music Director

The Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra was named "Best Classical University Symphony Orchestra" in Downbeat magazine's 2005 nationally recognized student music awards competition. In 2003, the Kalamazoo Gazette's classical music reviewer picked the orchestra's WMU centennial celebration concert as the most memorable performance of the year. The orchestra performed the final movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 "Choral" to much acclaim at the opening concert of the 1999 Midwestern Conference in Ann Arbor's Hill Auditorium, and has been invited to perform again in 2008.

Under conductor and Professor of Cello, Bruce Uchimura, the University Symphony performs orchestral masterworks, features internationally recognized and WMU faculty soloists, and collaborates with the WMU Grand Chorus and Department of Dance to present a six-concert season in Miller Auditorium and the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Orchestra members perform with WMU opera and musical theatre productions, and the orchestra has performed at high schools, colleges, and various performance venues throughout Michigan.

The University Symphony Orchestra includes undergraduate and graduate music majors who take pride in the professional level of the ensemble's rehearsals and performances. Competitive auditions are held each semester, sectional rehearsals include skilled coaches and teachers, and both individual practice and score study is expected outside of scheduled rehearsals. Orchestra members are also involved in an annual chamber music project where numerous small ensembles are assigned specific repertoire, coached by School of Music faculty members, and then featured in performance during a chamber music festival all in recognition of the significant benefits chamber music performance brings to large ensemble playing.

The University Symphony Orchestra began in 1945 and has had seven conductors: Julius Stulberg (1945-68), Herbert Butler (1968-83), Anthony Elliott (1983-87), Richard Suddendorf (1987-90), Robert Whaley (1990-95), Eric Shumsky (1995-98), and Bruce Uchimura (1998-present).

Contact: Bruce Uchimura
Phone: (269) 387-4708