The University City Symphony Orchestra looks forward to an exciting 2026-2027 Season! We invite you to join us in this look back at Maestro Leon Burke’s musical connections throughout his career, linking the Orchestra with artists and musical works from around the country and around the globe.
The UCSO will continue our tradition of providing an outlet for local artists and celebrating extraordinary lesser-known works by well-known composers. All concerts will remain free of charge.
Season highlights include:
- Piano prodigy and Peoria, IL native Amelia Mi Ly (11 years old), makes her debut with the UCSO, along with pianist Dickran Atamian. This unique intergenerational program will combine Amelia’s artistry with Atamian’s seasoned brilliance to produce a rare dialogue of youth and wisdom.
- The UCSO will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States with a program featuring “forgotten” American composers Edward MacDowell, Charles Ives and Amy Beach. Featured soloist will be St. Louis pianist Craig Frutiger, marking his performance debut with the UCSO.
- Former SLSO Violinist Manuel Ramos, UCSO patron and colleague of Maestro Burke, returns as a special guest artist with the UCSO.
The UCSO features and supports emerging young artists through the Schatzkamer Young Artist Competition (YAC), traditionally showcasing the competition winner(s) at the season finale. The original conductor of the UCSO, William “Willie” Schatzkamer founded the YAC in the late 1960s. The UCSO is proud to continue this tradition for instrumentalists aged 13-22 and vocalists aged 16-26. Young musicians from all over the St. Louis Metro Area compete before a panel of professional adjudicators to earn a cash award and the honor of playing as soloist with the UCSO. While there is generally one annual winner, the panelists do, at times, award honorable mention status to other competitors, and these runners-up may also perform in the concert.
Also included on the May 2027 concert is Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn by Johannes Brahms. As this work demonstrates an intergenerational homage to Haydn by Brahms, it serves as a perfect complement to a showcase of “next generation” artists.
The UCSO will continue our tradition of providing a venue for local and regional composers and soloists and celebrating extraordinary lesser-known works by well-known composers. All concerts will remain free of charge, granting access to a diverse audience.