Each year the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, under the direction of Resident Conductor and Director of Orchestral Activities John Kennedy, takes on a dynamic new identity with the participation of both returning and new musicians. Through nationwide auditions, an extremely talented group of young professionals is selected to form the Festival’s resident ensemble. The Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra is central to the international excellence of performances at Spoleto Festival USA and has over the years proven to be one of the finest opportunities for young musicians to gain extensive performance experience. Alumni of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra can be found in almost every professional orchestra in the United States and many abroad.
The 2023 season will feature a three-concert series that showcases the ensemble’s world-class musicianship under the baton of Jonathon Heyward, Mei-Ann Chen, and John Kennedy, Spoleto Festival’s Director of Orchestral Activities and Resident Conductor. Repertoire will include Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony, and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, alongside music by Florence Price, Michael Abels, and others. Charlestonian pianist Micah McLaurin appears as a soloist for Grieg’s monumental piano concerto.
In addition to the orchestra showcase, fellows will perform opera and ballet, with some musicians taking part in special projects including the Music in Time series.
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Applications for the 2023 Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra are now closed. Information regarding the 2024 season will be posted in November 2023.
For questions, please contact Edward Kass at [email protected] or (408) 891-0524.
