Juilliard Orchestra, Led by James DePreist, is 'regularly compared to professional ensembles'

[The Firebird Suite; The Rite of Spring; Igor Stravinsky; Oregon Symphony; James DePreist, Conductor; Delos DE 3278]

James DePreist (b. 1936), Director of Conducting and Orchestral Studies at The Juilliard School, is profiled at AfriClassical.com. The following post was published April 9, 2009:

Juilliard School

Office of Admissions Blog

Arts and Liberal Arts

The Juilliard Orchestra: not your average school orchestra

By Patrick Posey, Director of Orchestral Activities and Planning

“The Juilliard Orchestra, like its counterparts at other institutions, is a performing ensemble guided by an educational mission. What sets it apart, however, are the extremely high quality of both performance and education opportunities available to its members.” “Few academic ensembles in the world are regularly compared to professional ensembles, however the Juilliard Orchestra, led by director of conducting and orchestral studies James DePreist, regularly receives such acclaims. Being that we’re housed at Lincoln Center, we perform frequently at Avery Fisher Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic, as well as the new Alice Tully Hall and our own Peter Jay Sharp Theater. Our roster of guest conductors reflects the close relationship we have with our neighbors, and includes James Levine, artistic director of the Metropolitan Opera and music director of the Boston Symphony, Alan Gilbert, music director-designate of the New York Philharmonic, Pierre Boulez, former music director of the New York Philharmonic, and George Manahan, music director of the New York City Opera.”