Orchestra

Each year, the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra 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 and students of many nationalities is selected to form the Festival’s resident ensemble. The Orchestra works with Music Director for Opera & Orchestra as well as with guest conductors in opera, symphonic, choral, chamber and contemporary music performances.

The Festival Orchestra is central to the international excellence of performance 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.

For the 2010 Festival, members of the orchestra performed in the operas Flora, an Opera, Proserpina (an American premiere by Wolfgang Rihm), and the ballet Giselle, as well as in orchestral works by Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Mozart, Ravel, Strauss, Wagner, and others.

Spoleto Festival USA 2011 will be held in Charleston, South Carolina, from May 27 to June 12.  Dates of employment will be approximately May 16 through June 12, 2011 (subject to change).

To apply for an audition or see audition requirements for the 2011 Orchestra, please check back in mid-November.