Orchestra
Orchestral music is the study and performance of large-scale instrumental works, typically led by a conductor. It requires a high degree of technical precision, a deep understanding of historical style, and the ability to blend a single instrumental voice into a massive, unified sound. As a discipline, it teaches students how to balance individual virtuosity with the needs of a complex, collaborative system.
Orchestra at Lehigh: The Symphonic Lab
At Lehigh, the orchestral experience is designed as a laboratory for musical discovery. While many universities relegate their orchestras to a "club" status, we treat the symphony as a central pillar of our Academic Curriculum.
Our students don't just play through scores; they investigate the "mechanics of the masterpiece." Led by a faculty team of active composers and professional performers, the orchestral program bridges the gap between the 18th-century canon and the living music of today. Whether you are a violin performance minor or an engineering major, the orchestra offers a professional-grade environment to refine your craft.
Key Pillars of Study
Artistic Apprenticeship
Our program operates on a unique mentorship model. Students sit side-by-side with professional string faculty, receiving real-time feedback during rehearsals. This "apprentice" style of learning ensures that every rehearsal is a masterclass in orchestral communication, phrasing, and leadership.
The Composer-in-Residence Model
Because our conducting faculty are also award-winning composers, our students gain a rare "insider's view" of the music. We regularly premiere new works and conduct "reading sessions" for student compositions, allowing performers to participate in the actual creation of new art.
Soloist Opportunities
For advanced players, the orchestra provides a platform for high-level solo work. Through our annual Concerto Marathon, selected students are featured as soloists with the full ensemble, providing a professional-caliber capstone experience for their musical journey at Lehigh.
Professional Venues
All orchestral performances take place in the Zoellner Arts Center. Performing in Baker Hall allows our students to experience the same world-class acoustics and professional backstage environment as the touring artists who visit our campus.
Related Programs & Ensembles
The orchestral focus area primarily centers around the Lehigh University Philharmonic, but it also intersects with our programs in Chamber Music and Music Theory.
