College Orchestra
The MCO is a full symphony orchestra that explores the exciting, dynamic repertoire of the last two and a half centuries, from Bach and Mozart to Adams, Lutoslawski, and the present day.
We welcome students from all disciplines and concentration from across campus—you do not need to be a music major to participate. Faculty and staff, community members, and professional players are also welcome when possible.
The orchestra presents two concerts a year and is involved in special events. Over the last two decades, the orchestra has performed with professional soloists from the Metropolitan Opera, as well as the College Choir, Concerto Competition winners, in Theater Department productions, radio performances, and in festivals and symposia.
Rehearsals - Spring 2025
Sunday and Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Robison Hall, Mahaney Arts Center
Our first meeting will be Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. Please come! There will be general information for everyone, news about the group, scheduling the fall concert, and what we’re looking forward to this semester, followed by auditions. Auditions are simple, low-stress, and required for everyone including new and returning members. Please see below for audition guidelines.
Audition Guidelines
Auditions will be in-person at MAC 221 on Feb. 13 and 16
Music for auditions
- Please prepare two brief contrasting excerpts from your instrument’s solo literature that demonstrate your expressive and technical capabilities. For example, a fast, technical excerpt and a slow, expressive one. While ideally they are from different pieces, excerpts can be from the same piece—just make sure they are as contrasting as possible.
Orchestra for Course Credit
Orchestra is also a class (MUSC 0205A) that students register for during their second semester of full participation (one credit).
Recent Repertoire
Abrams The Bronze Horseman Overture (premiere)
Beethoven Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
Berlioz Romeo and Juliette: Scene d’amour
Borodin Symphony No. 2
Chabrier Espana
Copland Billy the Kid Suite, An Outdoor Overture
DeBouter Piano Concerto (premiere)
Debussy Nocturnes
Dvorak Symphony No. 8, Symphony No. 9 (From the New World)
Elgar Enigma Variations
Franck Symphony
Herrmann Vertigo Suite
Johnson The Hidden Mountains (premiere)
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5, “Reformation” (revised 1830 version)
Mozart Magic Flute Overture, Bassoon Concerto
Mussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition
Schumann Symphony No. 1, “Spring”
Verdi Nabucco Overture
Weber Der Freischutz Overture
Wagner Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III, Siegfried Idyll
Contact
Music Director, Evan Bennett, bennett@middlebury.edu
President, Kendall Schilling, orchestra@middlebury.edu
About the Music Director
Conductor Evan Bennett Is Music Director of the Middlebury College Orchestra and the Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra. He trained also as a composer, oboist, and pianist, winning national and international awards for both composition and as a solo oboist. At nineteen he began playing professionally with the Utah Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted the Juventas Ensemble, Magnitude6, Meridian Arts Ensemble, Da Capo Chamber Players, Burlington Chamber Orchestra, Middlebury Chamber Soloists, Lowell Opera, and other ensembles at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. His passion for contemporary music has led to conducting the premieres of over 25 new works. His compositions have been premiered by the Brodsky String Quartet, Gemini, Cardinal Brass Quintet, Royal Academy Symphony Orchestra, and a broadcast over BBC Radio.
Awards include the Yehudi Menuhin Prize and a Naumburg fellowship. In addition to his musical activities, he has been a guest lecturer and panelist on music education in the US and internationally, including for the Korean government as part of its national KIGA program and at Tufts University. A former faculty member of Middlebury College, New England Conservatory, and Longy School, he was also Executive Director of the NEC at Walnut Hill. He currently is a faculty member at Northeastern University where in addition to directing the orchestra he teaches chamber music. He holds degrees from Harvard, Juilliard, and Princeton University.