USD Chamber Orchestra

The USD Chamber Orchestra is an elite conductor-less strings ensemble with members chosen by audition from the Department of Music and across campus. The concept of performing without a conductor is an innovative approach that creates individual musical responsibility and exact roles in achieving exceptional quality performances.

The USD Chamber Orchestra tours the region regularly, performing throughout South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. The group has been selected as a performing ensemble for the South Dakota Music Educators Association Conference and the Iowa Music Educators Association Conference. Some of the recent highlights include side-by-side concerts with high school orchestras from the region and serving as the ensemble-in-residence for conducting workshops at music education conferences.

Sønderborg Musikforening Chamber Music Society has invited the USD Chamber Orchestra to perform in their chamber music concert series in May 2025. The society invites select chamber music groups from around the world each season, making the invitation a significant honor and opportunity for the USD Chamber Orchestra. Two more concerts in Copenhagen and Odensen have been added to the Denmark tour.

The USD Chamber Orchestra prepares its members for the 21st-century music marketplace. Your gift to the USD Orchestra Department allows the group to commission new works by contemporary composers, gain valuable performance experience and explore the world through performance tours.