University Symphony Orchestra
The Bob Jones University Symphony Orchestra has as its mission the providing of orchestral experience to talented students. It gives them the opportunity to perform great music from symphony, opera, and oratorio literature and also to participate in a sacred ministry through the performance of fine sacred music, all for the glory of God. Dwight Gustafson, dean emeritus of the School of Fine Arts, retired as conductor of the Orchestra after more than 40 years of service.
About the Orchestra
Members
The Orchestra numbers 60 to 65 pieces depending on the literature performed. Any advanced musician, regardless of major, is eligible for membership on the basis of audition. Several University faculty assist as player-coaches.
Schedule
The yearly schedule consists of an October concert, a weeklong out-of-state tour with sacred music (biannually), collaboration with the University’s combined choirs for Thanksgiving week oratorio performances (Messiah, Elijah, The Creation, etc.), the March opera performance and the Commencement Concert in early May.
Listen to the Orchestra
You can hear the University Orchestra on two CDs available from SoundForth, a division of BJU Press—Blessed Assurance and May Jesus Christ Be Praised.
Audio Samples
Excerpt of Allegro from Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 36 by Lowell Liebermann, Andrea Tang, piano
Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah during a combined choirs and Orchestra performance
