ORCHESTRAS SEASON 2023-24

Arco Chamber Orchestra

The ARCO Chamber Orchestra was originally founded in Russia in 1989 at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory by Levon Ambartsumian. When Mr. Ambartsumian joined the University of Georgia’s School of Music faculty in In 1995, he remained the artistic director and conductor of the orchestra, moving its home base to the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, where the ensemble has now become a talented international blend of musicians. Since its creation, Ambartsumian has led UGA’s ARCO Chamber Orchestra, commercially releasing 15 CDs and has performing four times in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. In 2011, ARCO was invited to perform at La Fenice, the world famous Opera House in Venice, Italy.

Uga Philharmonia

ARCO’s first concert of the year will span centuries, featuring music by Handel, Bach and a violin concerto by Oklahoma based, Armenian-American composer Karen Khanagov. Listen for traditions that have withstood the test of time as well as new innovations that have reinvigorated orchestral music for the next generation.

The program includes the beloved Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” in orchestral version. In this context, romantic doesn’t just refer to the Romantic period, but to the depth of dramatic character of any music, person, or story. Join ARCO for a rich and rewarding concert as we welcome the first days of spring.

As one of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s large orchestral ensembles, the University Philharmonia offers an outlet for musical expression to all string players at the University of Georgia. Student string players are openly invited to perform in the Philharmonia, while all other instruments are selected via audition each semester. The ensemble performs three times per academic year. The University Philharmonia is under the supervision of Mark Cedel. The ensemble is also conducted by graduate students majoring in orchestral conducting. The UGA Philharmonia concerts are free. No tickets are required.

Onnection Series

All Philharmonia concerts are at 7:30 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall