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 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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Annual holiday concert to showcase ensembles

The USD Department of Music will host their annual holiday concert in Aalfs Auditorium Dec. 5. The USD Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble I, Chamber Singers, Symphonic Choir and Collegium Musicum will all perform at the concert.  C. J. Kocher, the director of Jazz Ensemble I, said in an email interview with The Volante that the holiday concert is a celebration […]

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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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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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USD Symphony Orchestra performs winter concert

The USD Symphony Orchestra presented their winter concert Friday. Due to COVID-19, the performance had limited attendance by invitation only and was live-streamed for others to virtually attend. Director of Orchestras Luis Viquez said that they have followed all USD mandates, but preparing the orchestra for this concert had its challenges due to COVID-19. “We […]

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Symphony Orchestra provides hope through music

USD Symphony Orchestra has been doing its part to provide quality performances since the nineteenth century. Even amidst COVID-19 they have faced challenges, adapted and still continue to put on performances for all to enjoy.  The Symphony Orchestra is comprised of mainly university music students. However, it is open to and currently consists of non-music […]

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