The Miami University Symphony Orchestra (MUSO) is proud to announce the culmination of its historic 120th anniversary season with a special finale concert dedicated to the memory of the esteemed maestro Seiji Ozawa. The concert will take place on Wednesday, May 1, at Hall Auditorium, and is free and open to the public.

Maestro Seiji Ozawa, an iconic figure in the world of classical music, left an indelible mark on the orchestral landscape through his unparalleled artistry and dedication to the craft. As a mentor to Ricardo Averbach at the Tanglewood Music Festival, his influence resonates deeply with the musicians of MUSO.

A highlight of the concert will be a poignant performance of Beethoven's Egmont Overture, a composition that held a special place in Maestro Ozawa's heart. It was the very piece he conducted at his last concert before his passing, on November 22, 2022, with the Saito Kinen Orchestra. Despite his physical challenges, his passion for music shone through as he conducted from a wheelchair, with the performance broadcast live to Koichi Wakata, an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.

The concert will feature performances by three of the most gifted student musicians from the Department of Music. Thea Bowne, a remarkable cellist, will captivate audiences with her rendition of Haydn's Cello Concerto in D. Cole Kubesch, an accomplished oboist, will perform Mozart's Oboe Concerto, while that talented tenor Eric Riedel, will grace the stage with three renowned opera arias. The three students were selected as winners of our Concerto Competition by a rigorous jury of experts in the field.

Another top highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of three compositions by Miami undergraduate student composers: Max Liber, Gabe Manisco, and Oscar Ávila. This groundbreaking initiative underscores MUSO's commitment to fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of the symphonic experience. As the only college orchestra in the country to establish an annual composition competition for undergraduate students, MUSO continues to fulfill its mission of engaging audiences with an expanding repertoire that reflects the diversity and dynamism of contemporary music.

"We are immensely proud to showcase the exceptional talents of our student musicians and composers in this season finale concert," said Professor Ricardo Averbach, Music Director of MUSO. "Their passion, dedication, and creativity exemplify the spirit of artistic excellence that defines the Miami University Symphony Orchestra."

About Miami University Symphony Orchestra (MUSO): The Miami University Symphony Orchestra (MUSO) is a premier ensemble within the vibrant musical community of Miami University. Comprising talented student musicians under the direction of Professor Ricardo Averbach, MUSO is dedicated to advancing the art of orchestral performance and promoting the exploration of new musical horizons.

Contact: 
Ricardo Averbach, Director of Orchestral Studies 
averbach@miamioh.edu
(513) 529-8351