Photo courtesy of Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra

HOUGHTON — The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra (KSO), the oldest symphony orchestra in the Upper Peninsula, is looking to add new musicians to its ranks.

According to music director Joel Neves, the orchestra is looking to recruit between ten and fifteen new members, especially those in the strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp sections.

Finding quality talent is especially important this year.

“This upcoming season is the 25th anniversary of the Rozsa Center,” Neves said. “So the Visual and Performing Arts department is doing a series of special collaborative concerts to celebrate this important event. In December, the KSO will provide music for “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas ballet” featuring acclaimed professional Ukrainian dancers.”

“In April, our ‘piece de resistance’ is performing Mahler’s monumental and massive Symphony No. 2, ‘The Resurrection’, with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, musicians from the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, and a large choir comprising singers from Michigan Tech and from throughout the U.P.” Neves added.

KSO, which was founded in 1970, is an ensemble comprised mainly of Michigan Tech students and community members. While about sixty percent of the musicians are Michigan Tech students, none of them are music majors. Many are pursuing paths in engineering, science, and other fields, but want to still foster their love of music.

To submit an audition for the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, contact Dr. Joel Neves at jbneves@mtu.edu.