


University of Louisiana-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra
Performances
The University of Louisiana-Lafayette Symphony was founded in the 1940s under the direction of George Barth. Today, it remains an important musical and cultural experience for both the university and the Lafayette community at large. Musicians include students at UL-Lafayette and members from the surrounding communities. This combination of young, energetic musicians and well-seasoned professionals makes for a unique and positive musical environment. Participation in the orchestra is open to all qualified students regardless of major (music or non-music).
Current and past student orchestra members also perform for several regional orchestras including: the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and the Pensacola Symphony.
Annual concert highlights include a Halloween Concert, Students Soloists Concert, and our "String Day Performance” where high school students from around the state perform side by side with university orchestra members. The ensemble also performs for many collaborative projects including opera, dance, and guest artists. The current conductor of the UL-Lafayette Symphony is Michael Blaney.
Podcast performance videos:
Symphony No. 2 - Peter Illich Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 2 - Sergi Rachmaninov
Night on Bald Mountain - Modeste Mussorgsky

Chamber Music
Students participate in a wide range of string, woodwind, and brass chamber ensembles that are coached by School of Music faculty.
Masterclasses
Many leading artists visit the School of Music to perform and give masterclasses. Recent guests include the Ahn Piano Trio, Trio Cracovia, and the Maia String Quartet.

Scholarships
All students participating in orchestra receive a scholarship regardless of their major.
Orchestra scholarships range from $700 to full tuition. Students can also apply for housing and out-of-state tuition waivers.
Graduate Assistantships include a stipend plus tuition waiver.
Download an Orchestra Scholarship form here.

Degree Programs
The School of Music offers undergraduate degree programs in music education, performance, theory-composition, jazz studies, piano pedagogy, and music media.
Graduate studies are offered in music education, conducting, performance, pedagogy, and theory-composition.
Orchestra Openings
The orchestra has openings in strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and piano.
For more information please contact:
Michael Blaney
Director of Orchestral Activities
PO Box 41207
University of Louisiana Lafayette, LA 70504-1207
(337) 482-6050
msb3697@louisiana.edu