The Lehigh University Philharmonic (MUS 061) is the cornerstone of orchestral life at Lehigh. Bringing together over 60 dedicated musicians, the "Phil" delivers powerful performances ranging from 18th-century masterworks to the compelling orchestral music of today.

The ensemble is co-led by a powerhouse faculty team: Dr. Kyle Wernke, an award-winning composer and conductor, and Dr. Michael Jorgensen, an acclaimed violinist and pedagogue who serves as the ensemble’s professional concertmaster.

The Repertoire: From Canon to Contemporary

We believe a modern orchestra should be a museum for the greats and a laboratory for the new. Our programming is designed to challenge our musicians and engage our audiences.

• The Symphonic Tradition: We regularly perform the pillars of the orchestral world, including the high-energy symphonies of Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvořák.
• Romantic and Dramatic Works: From the lush, emotional scores of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff to the vivid storytelling of Grieg and Rimsky-Korsakov, we explore the most evocative repertoire in the canon.
• Living Music: As a "Composer-in-Residence" ensemble, we often premiere new works by Dr. Kyle Wernke and other contemporary composers, giving students the chance to work directly with the creators of the music they are playing. Student composers also have the opportunity to have their music read and performed by the group.

Professional Mentorship, Collaborative Spirit

The Phil operates on a model of "artistic apprenticeship," where students learn from faculty who are active at the highest levels of the profession.

• The Composer’s Perspective: As a conductor and renowned composer, Dr. Kyle Wernke offers a unique look at the "mechanics of the masterpiece," helping the ensemble understand the architecture and intentionality behind every score.
• Artistry in the First Chair: As concertmaster, Dr. Michael Jorgensen provides a masterclass in leadership. His technical precision and expressive depth offer student string players a direct model for professional phrasing and orchestral communication.
• The Side-by-Side Cohort: This mentorship extends through the sections, featuring a cohort of professional string faculty who perform alongside students in rehearsals and concerts to ensure a professional standard of ensemble playing.
• A Community of Scholars: Our members include future engineers, architects, and physicists who believe that the power of the symphony is an essential part of the Lehigh experience.

The Concerto Marathon: Your Moment Center Stage

One of the most anticipated events in the Lehigh music calendar is our annual Concerto Marathon, where we celebrate the exceptional talent within our own ranks.

• A Rare Opportunity: Each year, selected juniors and seniors are given the prestigious opportunity to perform a movement of a major concerto as a featured soloist with the full orchestra.
• The Culmination of Craft: This program serves as a capstone experience, allowing our most advanced players to lead their peers in a professional-caliber solo setting.

Join the Orchestra

The Philharmonic welcomes all students with a strong technical foundation and a passion for symphonic music.

Course Number: MUS 061

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