The Oakland Symphony Orchestra (OSO) will play its final concert of its inaugural season on March 16th at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Mich.
Oakland University began providing music students the opportunity to play with a professional orchestra in 1976 by partnering with the Pontiac Symphony Orchestra in Pontiac, Mich. As of fall 2010, OU has its own orchestra in residence: the OSO, comprised of professional musicians and some of Oakland's finest instrumental students.
“This symphonic orchestra, because of its unique structure, allows OU students the opportunity to perform the finest orchestral works as part of one of the region’s more highly regarded professional ensembles – an experience that is truly unique to OU,” explained Greg Cunningham, Doris and Paul Travis Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Instrumental Music at OU and music director of the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. “The OSO serves the entire Department of Music, Theatre and Dance by providing it with an orchestra that can collaborate with the highly regarded Oakland University Symphony Chorus, as well as provide solo opportunities for the department’s brightest and best as concerto soloists.”
In partnership with the Oakland University Symphony Chorus and Madrigal Chorale of Southfield, the March concert will feature a performance of Gustar Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Resurrection.” Cunningham explained, “Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 is a monumental and highly emotional tour de force written for a large orchestra, large chorus and soloists as part of the composer’s highly personal exploration of the human condition.”
“This symphony really is one of western music’s most monumental live concert experiences and one we feel the community will not want to miss,” said Cunningham.
Visit oakland.edu/mtd for ticket information.