National Organization Honors Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra

07/02/12

ITHACA, NY — By taking second place in the Collegiate Orchestras category, the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jeffery Meyer, is one of 24 American orchestras to be honored with a 2011–2012 ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Award for Adventurous Programming. ASCAP and the League of American Orchestras present the awards annually to orchestras of all sizes for programs that challenge the audience, build the repertoire and increase interest in music of our time.

“This is the second time that the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra has been distinguished with this national award,” said Meyer. “Ithaca College music students who go through the orchestral program learn about orchestral playing not only by studying and performing the major works of the standard orchestral repertoire, but also through substantial contact with the diverse landscape of fascinating and demanding music of the late 20th century and the music of our time.”

This aspect of the students’ education and training, Meyer added, opens their ears and minds to new music, which is essential for our art form to survive and thrive in the future.

“This depth of orchestral experience is one that very few music schools in the country provide, and as these students become the professionals of tomorrow, they will have a unique and meaningful impact upon the communities in which they will work.”

Composed of approximately 90 to 100 musicians, the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to performing symphonic repertoire from the baroque through the 20th century, as well as contemporary works of our time. The ensemble presents five to eight concerts a year, including the annual concerto concert, at which winners of the School of Music’s annual concerto competition perform with the orchestra.

The orchestra has garnered numerous honors and prizes, including recognition in two categories in the 2011 American Prize. Having performed to high acclaim in venues such as the Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall, the ensemble has collaborated with such prominent composers as Jennifer Higdon and Pulitzer Prize winner Karel Husa. Guest conductors have included Daniel Hege (Syracuse Symphony), Jose-Luis Novo (Annapolis Symphony) and Larry Rachleff (Rice University) among others.

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing the world’s largest repertory, totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 410,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members.

The League of American Orchestras supports and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its membership of nearly 900 orchestras across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned symphonies and community groups to summer festivals and youth ensembles.

For more information, contact Molly O’Shea Polk, marketing communications manager in the music school, at moshea@ithaca.edu or (607) 274-3370.

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