Symphony Orchestra

The Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra (SCSO) is the largest instrumental ensemble at Shenandoah Conservatory dedicated to the performance of both standard and contemporary repertoire. The ensemble typically presents six different programs each season, including a full opera production and a program featuring winners of the annual Student Soloists Competition. There are currently between 75 and 80 regular members in the SCSO.

Over the last few years the ensemble has included some of the most challenging and exciting works in the symphonic repertoire, including Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, 4, 5 and Das Lied von der Erde, Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and Symphony No. 5, Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe suite No. 2, Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Claude Debussy’s La Mer, Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird and Petrushka, Robert Schumann’ Symphony No. 2, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7. Collaborations with Shenandoah Conservatory choirs have resulted in performances of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Hector Berlioz’ Te Deum, Francis Poulenc’ Gloria, Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem and Johannes Brahms’ Nänie and Gesang der Parzen.

The SCSO has featured many of Shenandoah Conservatory’s own performing faculty as soloists in many of their programs such as pianist John O’Conor, Garrick Zoeter, Ryan Romine, Earl Yowell and Akemi Takayama as well as many prominent guest artists including cellist Andres Diaz, pianist Vanessa Perez, trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann and violinist Anne Akiko Meyers.

Working with living composers has also been an integral part of the SCSO’s activities including recent collaborations with William Bolcom, Kevin Puts and Jennifer Higdon. In February 2015 the SCSO performed the world premiere of Wynton Marsalis’ complete Blues Symphony in a performance at the Strathmore Music Center following a short residency by Wynton Marsalis at Shenandoah Conservatory.

Meet the Director

Conductor, composer and pianist Emanuele Andrizzi received his education in the rich musical tradition of Rome’s Conservatory. His conducting has earned acclaim, with the Chicago Tribune describing it as “admirable” and the San Diego Union Tribune praising its “spirit and thoughtfulness.” With a versatile musical background and a deep passion for various aspects of the art form, he brings extensive experience in symphonic and operatic repertoires.

As a conductor, Andrizzi has collaborated with esteemed companies including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Diego Opera, Chicago Philharmonic, Orchestra della Città di Ravenna, Opera Theater of St. Louis, Richmond Symphony, Chicago Opera Theater and New Philharmonic. He has made significant contributions to renowned music festivals such as Millennium Park, Pitchfork, Ravinia and Latino Music Festivals. Noteworthy international artists, including Ferruccio Furlanetto, Frederica Von Stade, Maurizio Baglini, Frank Almond and Joyce Castle, have performed as soloists in his concerts, operas, recitals and recordings. Andrizzi has also established a special relationship with the Chicago Philharmonic, creating and leading their family, education, and holiday programs for several years.

In addition to his successful conducting career, Andrizzi is a dedicated educator. He led the orchestral program at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University for 10 years before his appointment at Shenandoah. He has collaborated with prominent artist programs, including the Ryan Opera Center, Mediterranean Opera Festival and Studio, and the Chicago Opera Theater Young Artist Program. As a guest conductor, he has worked with university music programs such as the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University.

International Tours

Argentina (May 2023)
Argentina (March 2017)
Spain (March 2014)

Audition Information

Shenandoah Conservatory is committed to providing exceptional opportunities for our students aligned with preparation for 21st century careers in the arts. This commitment begins with your audition! As the arts industry has responded to our current reality by modifying rehearsal and audition practices, Shenandoah Conservatory has also adopted the most recent industry standards, while maintaining a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for the most up-to-date information about auditioning for our music, theatre and dance ensembles and productions.

Ensemble & Production Auditions

Experience Shenandoah Conservatory

SHENANDOAH CONSERVATORY INVITES provides instrumental high school students multiple opportunities each year to make music with Shenandoah faculty, students and ensembles. Musicians playing string, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments will find events enabling intensive study with Shenandoah’s world-class faculty and the opportunity to make music alongside current conservatory students. Each of these events take place on Shenandoah’s beautiful Winchester campus.

Explore Upcoming Opportunities

Join the Orchestra at Shenandoah Conservatory

Andrizzi’s outstanding achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Illinois Council of Orchestras’ 2021 Conductor of the Year Award, an Honorable Mention Award at the International Competition for Conductors of Contemporary Music 4X4 Prize and a win in the “P. Barrasso” International Competition for Chamber Music. He previously served as the music director and conductor of the Cervantes Orchestra of Chicago, dedicated to promoting Hispanic and Spanish Classical music. Additionally, he gained valuable experience as an assistant conductor under the guidance of Maestros Andrew Davis and James Conlon. Andrizzi’s recordings can be found on Albany Records.