USD Symphony Orchestra Performs Beethoven’s 5th

The USD Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Luis Viquez performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op.67 and an original composition by USD associate professor Dr. Paul Lombardi in a concert on Feb. 26.  Symphony No. 5 is one of Beethoven’s best known works with the first movement containing one of the […]

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A Milestone for the USD Symphony Orchestra

The University of South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, directed by Luis Viquez, was nominated for the Latin Grammys.  Partnering with Eddie Mora, a classical composer from Costa Rica, USD was ranked among four other orchestras for the best classical album of the year.  Eddie Mora wrote the song, “El Ruido del Agua” specifically for the USD […]

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USD Music Department Host Third Annual Music is Alive Festival

USD’s Music Department hosted its third annual Music is Alive festival and partnered with Vermillion High School, which provided a variety of musical performances from eight ensembles. The event kicked off with Vermillion High School’s Pride of Vermillion, then followed in the order of USD Jazz Band, USD Symphony Orchestra, Vermillion High School’s Rhythm in […]

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South Dakota New Music brings unique sound to Colton Recital Hall

Eight composers and 11 performers made up the South Dakota New Music performance Monday night inside of Colton Recital Hall. The show welcomed an in-person crowd and was livestreamed on the Department of Music’s website. In total, there were three world premieres, including a piece made by assistant professor Paul Lombardi, who was the artistic […]

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USD professors perform Ragtime for students and community

The Dakota Ragtime Trio performed at the Colton Recital Hall on Jan. 18. The trio is made up of three professors from the University of South Dakota’s music department. Darin Wadley, Director of Percussion Studies, plays the xylophone, Luis Viquez, Director of Orchestras, plays the clarinet and Todd Cranson, Director of Athletic Bands, plays the […]

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USD Symphony Orchestra in concert

USD Symphony Orchestra will be performing their concert in Aalfs Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. The orchestra will feature guest cello soloist Sonja Kraus, a USD faculty member who will be performing “Variations Symphoniques” by French composer Leon Boellman. Luis Viquez, director of orchestras and music director of the USD Symphony Orchestra, said the […]

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USD Symphony Orchestra returns

USD’s Symphony Orchestra returns to the stage this Friday for a full program concert with a variety of musicians and composers. Conductor and Director of the Orchaestra Dr. Luis Viquez, said he is so thankful to be back on stage with musicians. Last year, COVID-19 separated the orchestra by allowing only half of the orchestra […]

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South Dakota New Music presents music written for the world

South Dakota New Music will be performing music written by composers both local and from around the world for the first time since before the pandemic began. Paul Lombardi, USD associate professor of music theory and composition, started South Dakota New Music 10 years ago with Darin Wadley to perform recent works. Lombardi is also […]

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Symphony Orchestra to hold final concert of semester

The final USD symphony concert will be held April 23, and it may be the last time these musicians will have to play while social distancing. Last semester, the number of students allowed to play in the symphony was limited due to COVID-19 concerns, and Luis Viquez, conductor of the orchestra, chose pieces suited for […]

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