The Miami University Symphony Orchestra, fresh from their presentation at the prestigious CODA (College Orchestra Directors Association) National Conference in Nashville, is set to perform for the university community once again in their upcoming concert on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 PM.

The performance will take place at Hall Auditorium in Oxford, Ohio. Following their performance in Nashville, where they were one of only two college orchestras selected by audition to be featured at the CODA National Conference, the Miami University Symphony Orchestra is eager to share their musical journey with the local community.

The concert program will feature works that garnered praise at the CODA Conference, including the vibrant Three-Cornered Hat Suite No. 1 by Manuel de Falla and Defiance, by Martin Hebel, which had its world premiere in Nashville. Defiance, commissioned to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, is a heartfelt dedication to the orchestra's conductor, Ricardo Averbach. The composer, who used to be a faculty member at Miami, will join us in Oxford for this special presentation.

The remaining of the 120th season of the Miami University Symphony Orchestra will be dedicated to the esteemed Maestro Seiji Ozawa, who passed away of heart failure at his home in Tokyo on February 6, 2024, at the age of 88. His passing leaves a void in the world of classical music, but his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift musicians and audiences alike for generations to come. Ricardo Averbach, Music Director of the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, had the privilege of studying under Maestro Ozawa at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 1992. Averbach's mentorship under Ozawa profoundly influenced his musical career and artistic vision.

Adding to the musical richness of the evening, the concert will include a joint performance with the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, conducted by their music director, James Ledbetter. The talented young musicians of the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra will showcase works by Shostakovich, Dvorak, and Tchaikovsky.

The two orchestras will join forces for a powerful collaboration, performing the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni and Finlandia by Sibelius. This collaboration promises an evening of musical diversity, showcasing the talents of both the seasoned members of the Miami University Symphony Orchestra and the promising young musicians of the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Audiences are invited to witness this extraordinary musical experience at Hall Auditorium on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 PM. The concert is free and open to the public. Besides a celebration of artistic achievement and community collaboration, the performance will be a heartfelt tribute that symbolizes the Miami University Symphony Orchestra deep gratitude and admiration for the extraordinary contributions of Maestro Ozawa to the world of music.

About Miami University Symphony Orchestra: The Miami University Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence and musical innovation. Comprised of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, the orchestra strives to inspire audiences through captivating performances and creative programming. Under the leadership of Music Director Ricardo Averbach, the orchestra continues to uphold its tradition of musical excellence while embracing new opportunities for artistic exploration and growth.

For more information, please contact: 

Ricardo Averbach, Director of Orchestral Studies 

averbach@miamioh.edu

(513) 529-8351