News

Students at the University of Waterloo are an incredibly diverse group, with interests spanning math, health, engineering, science, environment, and arts. Many of these students have spent hundreds of hours of their life learning a musical instrument and, instead of giving up their love of music while at university, they have found a collective place to express it. The orchestra@uwaterloo is a full-sized symphony orchestra whose players are students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Waterloo.

The University of Waterloo Balinese Gamelan Ensemble is honoured to be participating in the 2017 Kultrún Festival on Saturday, July 8th at 2:00pm. There will also be offering a free workshop at 3:45pm.

If you are interested in joining the University Choir, playing in an Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, or learning the Gamelan, see the Ensemble page.  These groups are open to all UWaterloo students and staff. 

Recognized for his talents as a gifted, emerging choral conductor, Professor Mark Vuorinen was awarded the prestigious Leslie Bell Prize on December 11, 2016. Vuorinen is Assistant Professor of Music at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo, where he oversees the choral program, conducts the University of Waterloo Chamber Choir, and teaches courses in conducting.

Toronto, December 7, 2016 – The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) today announced Mark Vuorinen as the recipient of the 2016 Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting. He will receive the award at the Grand Philharmonic Choir’s Christmas Homecoming concert at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square on Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m.

Dr. Mark Vuorinen, Assistant Professor of Music at Conrad Grebel University College, director of the University of Waterloo Chamber Choir, and Conductor of the Grand Philharmonic Choir, has been nominated for the Ontario Arts Council’s 2016 Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting. This is a prestigious award; the nomination alone is wonderful recognition of Mark's skills and gifts as a conductor. The winner will be announced later this fall. 

Music Professor Kenneth Hull is leads a group of 16 on a 17-Day trip starting tomorrow (June 3) first to London, UK and then to Leipzig, Germany to experience the rich music history and culture in these cities.  This trip is part of the Music 355: Music Culture and Travel course offered this Spring term.

Featured events in London include:

On June 9, a Concert of the Global Mennonite Peacebuilding Conference and Festival, will feature choirs, gamelan, and an original composition titled “Earth Peace” by Carol Ann Weaver, Professor Emerita of Music.  See event page for details.