The Department of Music is proud to present its final concert of the Fall 2020 semester. The University Symphony Orchestra will present Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48.

The performance will premiere on the Department of Music's YouTube Channel at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. Audience members are encouraged to tune in live at 7:30 p.m. to view the performance together and send congratulations in the comments. The video will remain on the department's channel for later viewing as well.

Under the baton of Robert Mueller, the orchestra, like all of the ensembles at the University of Arkansas, shifted gears this semester. The ensemble was reduced to string instruments only and rehearsals followed strict protocols for safety with face masks, distancing, and limits on the times spent in rehearsal.

"Though it was very challenging to prepare a performance under the circumstances caused by the pandemic, it was also very rewarding. The students really did an outstanding job — they played with a passion and joyous outlook that was very moving to me," said Mueller, "I am so very proud of each and every member of the orchestra. It has been an experience I will never forget!"

Under these unusual conditions, the orchestra presents this performance on the Faulkner Performing Arts Center stage. Special thanks to the FPAC staff and crew who helped out our ensembles do what we could in performance during COVID-19.

About the University Symphony Orchestra: The University Symphony Orchestra is a vibrant performing ensemble, which is comprised of student musicians from throughout the university community. The USO presents a minimum of two concerts per semester covering a wide range of repertoire from Bach through the present day, including masterpieces of symphonic literature. Recent performances have included Stravinky's "The Firebird," Mussourgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," and Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique."

In keeping with our commitment to a comprehensive orchestral experience, the USO collaborates with the UA Schola Cantorum and the UA Opera Theatre. The annual Concerto-Aria competition is open to all music majors, and the winner is a featured soloist with the USO on one of its spring concerts.