In the summer of 2019, Michael Haithcock, director of university bands and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Music, commissioned U-M alumnus Evan Hause to compose a new work to be premiered by the Symphony Band. Branching, A Tree Symphony, premiered at Hill Auditorium in November 2021. In composing this work, Hause, who was born in…

In one night at Hill Auditorium, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) will host the world premieres of two notable new U-M commissions, both written by Black American composers. Tethered Voices, composed by SMTD alum James Lee III (BM ’99, piano; MM ’01, piano and composition; DMA ’05, composition), will…

For the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club (MGC), springtime is concert season, involving a big performance at Hill Auditorium as well as tours to other cities. This spring, however, will offer an extraordinary experience. MGC will premiere a new work by composer Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, To Repair, in a solo concert at the Lincoln Center’s…

The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) has launched a ten-year project to commission ten new orchestral works with the intention of diversifying the orchestral repertoire. Established in 2020 by GRAMMY-nominated conductor Kenneth Kiesler, Director of University Orchestras and Professor of Conducting, the Michigan Orchestra Repertoire for Equity (MORE) will commission…

This fall, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance will welcome Jayce Ogren as Assistant Professor in the Department of Conducting and Associate Director of Orchestras. Ogren has established himself as one of the most innovative and versatile conductors of his generation, a leader in breaking down barriers between audiences and great music. “I’m thrilled…