Roberts Symphony Orchestra

Current Concert Schedule

  • Saturday, March 1
    • 7 PM Pre-concert lecture
    • 7:30 PM Concert
  • Hale Auditorium
  • Dr. Paul Shewan, conductor

Repertoire/Program 

  • Procession of the Nobles (Cortege), from Mlada (Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov)
  • Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 (Felix Mendelssohn)
    • Allegro molto appassionato
    • Joshua Fugate, violin (2024-2025 Roberts Concerto Competition Winner)
  • The Seasons: Autumn (Alexander Glazunov)
  • INTERMISSION
  • La Fête dieu à Seville from Iberia (Isaac Albeniz; arranged by Enrique Fernández Arbós)
  • “Deh vieni, non tardar” from The Marriage of Figaro (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
    • Victoria Heffner, soprano (2024-2025 Roberts Aria Competition Winner)
  • Slavonic Dances (Antonin Dvorak) ’
    • No. 3, Op. 46, in A-flat Major 
    • No. 10, Op. 72, (no. 2) in e minor 
    • No. 8, Op. 46 in g minor 

  • Saturday, May 3
    • 7 PM pre-concert lecture
    • 7:30 PM Concert
  • Hale Auditorium
  • Dr. Paul Shewan, conductor

Repertoire/Program

  • Symphony No. 2, in c minor ‘Resurrection’ (Gustav Mahler)

I love the orchestra because it’s given me the opportunity to grow as a musician.

Dorothy Bellas '17 (Music)

The time that I spend on stage making music with the orchestra are the best hours of my week. It's more than just a musical outlet or hobby for me - it is my passion, my life.

David Ciarvella '00 (Music Education)

The conductor, Dr. Shewan, has a refreshingly different approach to selecting repertoire. Instead of lowering his standard, he raises ours. He holds us to a level of excellence and pushes our technical limits, so we are constantly growing in artistry.

Emily Bartz Hutchinson '17 (Music Performance)

RSO Clarinets

About the Orchestra

For over 30 years, our symphony orchestra has enjoyed a rich collaboration between the Roberts Wesleyan University Department of Music & Performing Arts and highly skilled musicians from surrounding communities.

As we engage, educate, and excite students and community members, our orchestra is constantly reaching new levels of musical excellence and programming. That may be the best thing about this ensemble: it never stops growing. Our hope is to foster a love for and appreciation of the symphonic repertoire for performers and audience members alike.

Donate to the Orchestra

Your contribution sustains our mission of delivering exceptional performances, fostering student talent, and enriching the cultural fabric of our community.

Make your gift today and invest in the future of music at Roberts. Thank you for your support.

Give Today

Special Guests

Ben Heppner, world-renowned tenor, working with students and alumni

David Kim, concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, performing with the orchestra

Allen Vizzutti, trumpet virtuoso, performing with the orchestra

Every year, the Orchestra provides opportunities to see and hear:

  • recognized, professional musicians as featured soloists with the orchestra including David Kim, concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra; and Allen Vizzutti, trumpet virtuoso
  • student concerto/aria competition winners
  • an educational concert, providing the opportunity for nearly 900 children to experience a live orchestra and learn about its instruments at no cost to our schools
  • a live orchestral experience that's accessible and affordable for Monroe County and beyond

Join the Orchestra

The orchestra rehearses on Mondays from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. in Hale Auditorium, Roberts Cultural Life Center.

Auditions are open to students and community members who play string, wind, brass, or percussion instruments. Students must register for 1 credit, or 0 credits if adding the orchestra causes an academic overload.

Contact Dr. Paul Shewan to set up an audition time.

Email Dr. Shewan

Orchestra

Questions? Contact the Department of Music & Performing Arts

music@roberts.edu

585.594.6320