More Information
The University Concert Orchestra presented a “Spring Symphonic Celebration” in April, 2004, featuring the works of Ralph Vaughn Williams, Felix Mendelssohn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, George Friderich Handel, Aaron Copeland, and other contemporary composers and arrangers. The concert was divided into three sections: Symphonic Suite, Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, and Choral Classics (in which the University Concert Choir accompanied the Orchestra). Members of the Orchestra are selected from the over 2200-member student body from the University and are representative of the over 30 academic majors offered at Vanguard University and hail from many states in the U.S. as well as several international countries.
The Director
Director of the Vanguard University Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Director of the University Concert Orchestra, his teaching areas include woodwind studies, jazz studies, advanced conducting, and beginning music theory. Dr. Kenneth R. Foerch is a free-lance studio musician, performer and instructor in the Los Angeles area. He performs as an extra saxophonist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the direction on Gustavo Dudamel, Esa-Pekka Solonen, Zubin Mehta, John Williams, and others. He has appeared with the L.A. Master Chorale, Pacific Symphony, Pasadena Symphony, and the Long Beach Municipal Band. He has also appeared with some of today’s leading jazz artists, including Shelly Berg, Carmen Bradford, Ndugu Chancler, and Bill Watrous. Ken continues his work with noted composers such as Andrea Morricone.
The Tours
The Vanguard University Concert Orchestra tours yearly, outside of local, monthly bookings. In the spring of 2001, while in New York City, the Concert Orchestra performed with the Concert Choir at Carnegie Hall, Times Square Church, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Spring 2006 found the orchestra on tour with the Vanguard University Jazz Ensemble in Northern California and Oregon.
Booking Information
The Vanguard University Concert Orchestra is available for booking October through April, often taking longer regional tours in March and/or May. Please fill out a Concert Request Form or contact the Music Events office at 714.556.3610 x3012 or concerts@vanguard.edu to request the group for your specific event, church, or school.
