Columbia University Orchestra

about

The Columbia University Orchestra was founded by composer Edward MacDowell in 1896, and is the oldest continually operating university orchestra in the United States. There seem to have been a few bumps in the Orchestra's history between 1909 and 1913. An article in the Columbia Spectator on November 25, 1909 discussed the rivalry between the Philharmonic Society and Frank E. Ward, the Chapel Organist. Apparently disgusted with the procedures of the Philharmonic Society, Ward had called for the formation of a new, additional orchestra. This would not have been serious except for the fact that the Philharmonic Society was on the brink of losing many of its members to the radical ensemble. In the end, however, all ended in peace and Ward returned to his organ. It also seems that there were no performances between 1911 and 1913. This was most likely due to disinterest or lack of student leadership. Of the few records found in the Columbia Archives, it is hard to discern what happened exactly. We do know, however, that the CUO returned in full force in 1913 under the direction of H.H. Fuchs. In 1916, the name was changed to the Columbia University Orchestra, only to be changed to the Students' Orchestra in 1917. (Today, it is back to the Columbia University Orchestra.) Also in 1917, women were allowed to join the ensemble. It is unclear just how many women joined at that time, but we do know that in 1934-35, there were just 5 women members out of a total of 51. User-contributed

top songs

albums

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Fall 2002 Concert

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Fall 2001 Concert

Fall 2000 Concert

Spring 2002 Concert

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Spring 2001 Concert

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Bela Bartok - Concerto For Orchestra

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Stravinsky - The Firebird Suite (1919 Version)

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Schumann - Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, OP. 120

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CUO Performs Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45

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Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33A

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Shostakovich - Festive Overture, OP. 96

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Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 1 in D Major

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