Ensembles

Faculty Ensembles

The Lafayette String Quartet

"...the Lafayette's Schubert was a triumph of technique and musicianship in the service of emotional communication." (The Indianapolis News) "...the Lafayette also have a subtle grasp of rhythmic inflexion, which gives their performance an inner resilience and momentum to go with its warm and strongly profiled expression." (GRAMOPHONE)

• The Lafayette String Quartet - Web site

Student Ensembles

Chamber Singers

Under the direction of Brian Wismath, this 24-member mixed ensemble performs both standard and lesser-known choral repertoire from a wide spectrum of composers and styles. Performing with the highest level of musicianship, choir members have extensive choral experience, strong sight-reading skills and a thirst for exploring and sharing their musical expertise.

• Chamber Singers - Information / Auditions

UVic Chorus

With the University Orchestra, this 150-voice chorus is featured in two concerts each year. Since the Chorus was formed in 1969, the group has performed many of the masterworks for chorus, orchestra, and soloists, including Bach's Mass in b, Verdi's Requiem, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Haydn's Creation, Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, the War Requiem of Benjamin Britten, and Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand. All first-year music students sing in the Chorus. Chorus Director is Susan Young.

UVic Philomela Women's Choir

Philomela Women's Choir began in 1994 on an ad hoc basis under the direction of Susan Young. Currently conducted by Dr. Mary Kennedy, Associate Professor of Music Education, and now a credit course, the choir numbers approximately 60 and membership is open to all UVIC students by placement audition. Continuing the original tradition of a 'town and gown' choir, there is also a compliment of members from the community. The choir performs a wide variety of repertoire at their end of semester concerts.

UVic Orchestra

Since its inception in 1969, the Orchestra has performed most of the standard repertoire, including all nine Beethoven symphonies, most of the later compositions of Haydn and Mozart, as well as major works of Brahms, Schubert, Stravinsky, Bruckner, Schoenberg, and others. Each year, members of the orchestra join with performance faculty to form the "Concerto Orchestra" to present the annual Concerto Concert, which features student soloists selected by competition. The Orchestra is currently led by Ajtony Csaba.

UVic Wind Symphony

UVic's Wind Symphony is recognized as one of the premiere performing wind ensembles in the Pacific Northwest. The ensemble is in constant demand to perform at festivals and conferences. Recently, the Wind Symphony represented Canada at the Annual WesternInternational Band Conference in Seattle in November, 2002. As well, the Wind Symphony has been a featured guest ensemble at the B.C. Music Educators' Conference.

The Wind Symphony provides opportunities for all wind and percussion players in the School. Its repertoire includes transcriptions of orchestral works, concerti, chamber ensembles, large symphonic band works and new music for the concert band. The Wind Symphony regularly features student, faculty and guest solo artists, and has given numerous Canadian and world premieres of contemporary works. The director is Dr. Gerald King.

UVic Jazz Orchestra

The Jazz Orchestra performs a range of works, both old and new, for jazz ensembles. Special guests appearing with the Jazz Orchestra have included many of Canada's outstanding jazz musicians. As with all of the School's larger ensembles, membership is open to students from outside the School, upon audition. Under the direction of Dr. Patrick Boyle, the Jazz Orchestra has a large and loyal audience in the community.

UVic Sonic Lab

Sonic Lab, a contemporary music ensemble is devoted to the performance of music of our time. Recent concerts have included Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire, Varese's Ionization and Octandre, Cage's Atlas Eclipticalis, Kurt Schwitter's Ursonate, and various works by Stockhausen and Steve Reich. Sonic Lab is directed by Ajtony Csaba.

UVic Vocal Jazz Ensemble

The UVic Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Wendell Clanton, has established a reputation for artistic excellence, stylistic flexibility and fun-filled audience engaging performances. The Ensemble typically draws its membership from a wide variety of faculties and departments. The highly successful Autumn and Spring Showcases feature the full ensemble (16 voices) and various accomplished combos such as the women's group Ellavation. Members frequently participate in several extracurricular events including the annual Singing Valentines fundraiser. The Ensemble distinguished itself as an "ensemble of note" at the Powell River Vocal Summit in March, 2012. The Ensemble has opened for the internationally acclaimed vocal group Groove For Thought, and has received high praise and support from several eminent choral directors, including Vijay Singh, Janet Warren and Peter Taylor. Auditions are held in early September.