The Lafayette-Oxford-University Symphony Orchestra performed several songs at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts to an audience of University of Mississippi students and members of the Oxford community on Tuesday, March 19. Director Selim Giray took the stage, garnering much applause before thanking the Ford Center for hosting. Giray assumed his position at the podium facing his trusted group of musicians and proceeded to conduct an hour’s worth of truly transcendent music. 

The LOU Symphony Orchestra is composed of student musicians and community members alike and is sponsored by UM’s Department of Music. 

The ensemble performed Georges Bizet’s “L’arlesienne Suite No. 1,” which served as the overture, followed by the works of Joaquin Rodrigo and Manuel de Falla. 

Shortly thereafter, Director of Opera Theater and Assistant Professor of Music Bonita Bunt took the stage and, accompanied by the orchestra, offered up her wonderful soprano singing voice.

2023 Concerto Champion winner Frederick Hadley joined the ensemble to play trombone. 

“This is my first year of graduate studies here at Ole Miss and also my first performance as a solo artist with orchestral accompaniment,” Hadley said. “The entire experience was incredibly humbling.”

Hadley is a member of the University Orchestra, University Wind Ensemble, Trombone Ensemble and the Mississippians Jazz Band, and he has taught as a band director for ten years. His level of experience was evident in the confidence with which he performed. 

“While I am the soloist, I’m also supported by incredible musicians whom I rely on in order to create an artful experience,” Hadley said.

Hadley’s skillset is one of much ferocity with equal doses of sophistication and grace. 

Membership in the orchestra is granted to any members of the Lafayette, Oxford and UM communities who are qualified and willing to participate in the necessary preparatory endeavors. While enrolled students are often the first to be considered in the audition process, the opportunity is there for other passionate musicians.