The newly created University Chamber Orchestra will be performing their debut concert at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, at the David and Barbara Pryor Center, located on the Fayetteville Square. Alumnus of the U of A and conductor of the new UCO is Jesse Collett B.M'00, M.M,'08, a lecturer in the Department of Music. He says being back at the U of A is like being back at home. 

"The U of A is my alma mater, and I'm happy to be working with the people who have inspired me the most as a young adult," Collett said. "I'm honored to be working with fantastic young musicians and giving back to the institution that is responsible for my success."

While there are several ensemble groups on campus for music students to join, Collett explained the UCO was unlike everyone else due to their intimate size and musical selection.

"I think this ensemble is unique in that we delve into the vast and beautiful world of string literature. Chamber music is the pinnacle of string performance, in my opinion. Students will learn the highest level of intonation and ensemble that is more difficult to achieve and experience in a full orchestra or solo setting. Everyone has the same voice and creates sound the same way. This lends the opportunity to focus on articulation, intonation and ensemble that is inherent to a string orchestra."

Thursday's performance will include pieces from Felix Mendelssohn, Joshua Reznicow, Frank Bridge and George Frideric Handel. Collett says the pieces were chosen both for sentimental reasons and technical skill.

"There is an art to programming, and the three most important aspects that need to be considered are first, what CAN and WILL my students learn from this musical experience? Will the audience and musicians enjoy their experience? And finally, is the program balanced by representing different styles and genre? Since this is our premier performance, the audience and performer experience is most important. I chose these pieces because I personally love them. I love to play them, and I love to listen to them."

The concert will be free to the public, but tickets will be required to attend. To reserve tickets, visit uark.universitytickets.com.