The Orchestra of the Münster University of Music

Participation in the Orchestra of the Münster University of Münster, the MHS Orchestra for short, is a central part of the students' education at the Musikhochschule Münster. As a rule, an orchestra project takes place in each semester. This includes weekly work in rehearsals, repertoire rehearsals and a final rehearsal phase before the semester concert. Thematic workshops may also be offered.

The training is based on the requirements for musicians in a professional orchestra (symphony orchestra, theatre orchestra or free ensemble). The working methods and structures of these orchestras are integrated into the rehearsal routine of the MHS orchestra. In this way, students can gain practical experience in an authentic orchestra environment during their studies.

In addition, the standard repertoire is rehearsed during the rehearsal periods. with a view to future rehearsals. Regular participation in concerts also
will familiarise the students with the real demands of a professional orchestra. The repertoire focuses on both the classics of orchestral literature and contemporary works. The repertoire to be played is determined by the Orchestra Council of the University of Music in the run-up to each semester.

The organizational rules of the orchestra can be found in the orchestra rules.

• Artistic Director

  

  The summer concert of the symphony orchestra of the University of Music on 23 June will be conducted by our guest conductor Prof. Dr Knut Andreas. He has been Artistic Director of the Collegium musicum Potsdam symphony orchestra since 1998, has conducted the Berlin Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2015 and was appointed Chief Conductor of the Piracicaba Symphony Orchestra, one of the most traditional orchestras in Brazil, in January 2022.

  The extremely entertaining programme begins with the overture to ‘Die Fledermaus’, Johann Strauss' work from the “golden era” of Viennese operetta. This is followed by the 2nd Piano Concerto by the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich. Due to its spontaneity and youthful freshness, it is considered one of his most popular works. The piano solo will be played by Oleksandr Shykyta from Prof Heribert Koch's piano class, who won an internal competition for the solo part. The second part of the concert will indulge in Czech Romanticism: Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’ has been his best-known and most-performed work since its premiere in 1893/94.

• Orchestra Office

  The Orchestra Office is responsible for all organisational matters concerning the orchestra projects at the Münster University of Music. - It can best be reached by e-mail.

  Orchestra Office
  Prof. Koh Gabriel Kameda, Leitung
  Ludgeriplatz 1
  48151 Münster
  Tel: +49 251 83-27455
  Fax: +49 251 83-27460
  E-Mail: orchesterbuero.mhs@uni-muenster.de

• Orchestra Council

  The Orchestra Council is an indispensable body for the orchestra work that represents the interests of all parties to the orchestra, ensures efficiency and harmony in cooperation and promotes excellence in musical performance. Its work contributes significantly to the success and stability of the orchestra. The Orchestra Council is the decision-making body for the MHS Orchestra. The Orchestra Council works closely with the Orchestra Office to support the long-term planning and development of the orchestra. This may include the development of long-term strategic goals, budgeting, concert programme design and various selection processes. The members consist of representatives from all orchestra groups. Meetings are held regularly, at least twice a semester.

• Registration and dates

  Registration for participation in the orchestra takes place as part of the course selection by the students and in consultation with the orchestra office and the main subject lecturers. Participation in the orchestra is compulsory for students from the first semester onwards, depending on the study regulations. Please note the entry in the course catalogue.

  
  Summersemester 2025
  Course

  Tuesdays, 18:45 - 21:45
  Location: Aula am Aasee, Scharnhorststraße 100, 48151 Münster

  Public concerts

  Thursday, 29.05.25, 19:30
  Spring concert by the Münster Chamber Ensemble: ‘The 8 Seasons’
  Programme: Antonio Vivaldi's baroque ‘Four Seasons’ meets the tango-influenced ‘Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas’ by Astor Piazzolla (in a transcription by Prof. Peter von Wienhardt)
  Performers: Münster Chamber Ensemble & various soloists, Prof Koh Gabriel Kameda (conductor)
  Venue: Concert hall of the University of Music, Ludgeriplatz 1, 48151 Münster

  Monday, 23.06.25, 19:30
  Summer concert of the symphony orchestra of the University of Music
  Programme: Johann Strauss: Die Fledermaus - Overture; Dmitri Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G major op. 44; Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’
  Performers: Symphony Orchestra of the University of Music, Oleksandr Shykyta (piano solo), Prof. Dr Knut Andreas (conductor)
  Venue: Münster Theatre, Kleines Haus, Neubrückenstraße, 48143 Münster (tickets on sale via Münster Theatre)