Orchestras
Connecticut Youth Symphony
Connecticut Youth Symphony (CYS) is an orchestra made up of the area’s most advanced high
school musicians (grades 10-12). This orchestra prepares and performs symphonic
masterworks, concerti, and contemporary works. Each year CYS presents three major concerts
and hosts a concerto competition for Community Division students. Conducted by Dan D'Addio.
Listen In
Oboe Concerto in C Major K314, I. Allegro aperto by W.A. Mozart | Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68, I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro by Johannes Brahms | Symphony No. 8 in G Major, IV. Allegro by Antonin Dvorak
Audition Information
Auditions for this academic-year ensemble are held in June at our annual Ensemble Placement Day. At the audition, students are expected to perform scales, a solo or etudes demonstrating current skill level, and sight-read a piece (provided at the audition).
Auditions for our large ensemble program are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year. All new students must audition to be placed in the proper ensemble. To learn more about Ensemble Placement Day in June and sign up, visit the link here.
Tuition and Rehearsals
Tuition is $225 for HCD private lesson students, and $665 for all others.*
*A one-time $25 registration fee may apply.
CYS will meet on Sundays from 1-4 p.m. in Bliss Music Room
Opus '89
In 1989, the late David Einfeldt founded the Hartt Suzuki Orchestras, with Opus ‘89 being the
premier ensemble. Today, this string orchestra is open, by audition, to very advanced string
players, regardless of their training method. This orchestra performs challenging String
Orchestra literature, frequently collaborates with composers on new works, and occasionally
performs symphonic works. Recent performance tours include Montreal/Quebec City, and NYC
(including an Opus performance at Carnegie Hall.). Conducted by Emmett Drake.
Click here to learn more about the additional Suzuki Orchestras.
Audition Information
Auditions for this academic-year ensemble are held in June at our annual Ensemble Placement Day. At the audition, students are expected to perform scales, a solo or etudes demonstrating current skill level, and sight-read a piece (provided at the audition).
Auditions for our large ensemble program are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year. All new students must audition to be placed in the proper ensemble. To learn more about Ensemble Placement Day in June and sign up, visit the link here.
Tuition and Rehearsals
Tuition is $225 for HCD private lesson students, and $615 for all others.*
A one-time $25 registration fee may apply.
Opus '89 will meet on Saturdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in Bliss Music Room
Virtuosi
Conducted by Paul Pierce, Virtuosi is our newest String Orchestra. Join other advanced middle
and high school string players from all over CT and MA to play a wide variety of exciting string
orchestra repertoire at a high level in a fast-paced, rigorous environment.
Audition Information
Auditions for this academic-year ensemble are held in June at our annual Ensemble Placement Day. At the audition, students are expected to perform scales, a solo or etudes demonstrating current skill level, and sight-read a piece (provided at the audition).
Auditions for our large ensemble program are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year. All new students must audition to be placed in the proper ensemble. To learn more about Ensemble Placement Day in June and sign up, visit the link here.
Tuition and Rehearsals
Tuition is $225 for HCD private lesson students, and $615 for all others.*
A one-time $25 registration fee may apply.
Virtuosi will meet on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. in Konover Great Room
Sinfonia
Sinfonia is for advanced middle school string students interested in experiencing a rigorous
rehearsal atmosphere while refining technique and ensemble skills through varied repertoire. Conducted by David Kramer.
Listen In
Archaic Voices by Doug Spata | Johnny Comes Marching Home by Richard Stephan
Audition Information
Auditions for this academic-year ensemble are held in June at our annual Ensemble Placement Day. At the audition, students are expected to perform scales, a solo or etudes demonstrating current skill level, and sight-read a piece (provided at the audition).
Auditions for our large ensemble program are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year. All new students must audition to be placed in the proper ensemble. To learn more about Ensemble Placement Day in June and sign up, visit the link here.
Tuition and Rehearsals
Tuition is $135 for HCD private lesson students, and $335 for all others.*
A one-time $25 registration fee may apply.
Sinfonia will meet on Saturdays from 11:15-12:15 p.m. in Room 410 of the Fuller Music Center
Stringendo
Stringendo is for beginner to intermediate elementary and middle school string students
looking to further develop their ensemble performance skills. Conducted by David Kramer.
Listen In
Aeolian Rock by Jeffery Frizzi | Antagonist by Larry Clark
Audition Information
Auditions for this academic-year ensemble are held in June at our annual Ensemble Placement Day. At the audition, students are expected to perform scales, a solo or etudes demonstrating current skill level, and sight-read a piece (provided at the audition).
Auditions for our large ensemble program are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year. All new students must audition to be placed in the proper ensemble. To learn more about Ensemble Placement Day in June and sign up, visit the link here.
Tuition and Rehearsals
Tuition is $135 for HCD private lesson students, and $335 for all others.*
*A one-time $25 registration fee may apply.
Stringendo will meet on Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. in Room 410 of the Fuller Music Center
Suzuki String Orchestras
Suzuki String Orchestras (Appoggiatura, Da Capo, Intermezzo, Vivace, Opus ‘89) reinforce concepts from private and group lessons, provide training in orchestral technique, and create high-level collaborative experiences for students.
Hartt Suzuki students join the first three orchestras by teacher recommendation and conductor
approval. Admission to upper levels (Vivace, Opus ‘89) is by audition only. All orchestras are conducted by Emmett Drake.
Students who do not participate in the Hartt Suzuki Program (but are Suzuki students elsewhere) are welcome to inquire about membership. Opus '89 accepts advanced players regardless of method of instruction.
Tuition and Rehearsals
| Level | Orchestra Name | Tuition Per Year | Rehearsal Schedule | Rehearsal Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appoggiatura | $135 for HCD private lesson students, $335 for all others |
Wednesdays, 5:45–6:30 p.m. | Universalist Church of West Hartford (UUC), Fiske Hall |
| 2 | Da Capo | $135 for HCD private lesson students, $335 for all others | Tuesdays, 6–6:45 p.m. | UUC, Fiske Hall |
| 3 | Intermezzo | $135 for HCD private lesson students, $335 for all others | Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m. | UUC, Fiske Hall |
| 4 | Vivace | $135 for HCD private lesson students, $335 for all others | Saturdays, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Konover Great Room, University of Hartford |
Questions?
While you should consult with your teacher about appropriate repertoire, please feel free to contact Emmett Drake, Department Chair of Large Ensembles, at drake@hartford.edu.