The Royal Conservatory Orchestra performs a series of six concerts in Koerner Hall each year. The repertoire is carefully selected by resident conductor Uri Mayer, in consultation with visiting conductors such as Peter Oundjian and Johannes Debus, to ensure that students are familiar with parts they will be expected to know when they audition for orchestra positions.
The Royal Conservatory Orchestra is an essential part of the program for all Glenn Gould School orchestral students. Placement auditions are held in September. Conductors rehearse the orchestra under intense, professional conditions.
Past guest conductors of the Royal Conservatory Orchestra include Peter Oundjian (Music Director, Toronto Symphony Orchestra), Richard Bradshaw (former General Director, Canadian Opera Company), Bramwell Tovey (Music Director, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), Yoav Talmi (Artistic Director and Conductor, Quebec Symphony Orchestra), Tania Miller (Music Director, Victoria Symphony), and Alistair Neale (Principal Guest Conductor, New World Symphony). Guest conductors slated for the 2011-12 season include Johannes Debus (Music Director, Canadian Opera Company), Julian Kuerti, and Leon Fleisher.
Recent works performed include:
• Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra
• Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
• Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
• Debussy: La mer
• Elgar: Enigma Variations
• Mahler: Symphony Nos. 1–5
• Ravel: Boléro
• Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
• Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 and 14
• Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel
• Stravinsky: Rite of Spring, Petroushka, Pulcinella, Symphony of Psalms
RCO Prelude Recitals
Before most Royal Conservatory Orchestra performances, ticket holders are encouraged to come early to hear a 30 minutes prelude performance of chamber music in Koerner Hall at 6:45pm.
From winners of The Glenn Gould School's annual Chamber Music Competitions, to musicians from the Young Artists Performance Academy, each Prelude Recitals will feature solo and chamber works performed by The GGS and Academy students.
The Royal Conservatory Orchestra Concerto Competition and Tom Thomas Scholarship
Each year, The Glenn Gould School administers the Royal Conservatory Orchestra Concerto Competition and Tom Thomas Scholarship for current students. Two winners are each awarded the opportunity to perform with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra and a cash prize.
For upcoming performances and box office information, please visit Royal Conservatory Concerts.
