Duquesne's ensembles will provide you with the finest university-level performing experiences available, preparing you for your career as a professional musician. As a member, you will perform on campus, as well as at some of the best venues for music in the city. Our students have performed at Heinz Hall, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, the August Wilson Center, the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, and many more. Additionally, our ensembles have performed outside the Pittsburgh area, as well, in venues including (but not limited to) Carnegie Hall in New York City, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center, and various regional and state music conferences.

Ensembles at Duquesne

Extracurricular Ensembles 

The Duquesne University Opera Theatre is an extracurricular ensemble that performs fully staged opera productions. Past operas have included The Medium, A Hand of Bridge, Le nozze di Figaro, Little Women, Suor Angelica, and others. These performances have been accompanied by a range of instrumentation, from solo piano to collaborations with the Duquesne Chamber Orchestra. All Duquesne students, regardless of major, are welcome to audition for Opera Theatre productions, which are directed and produced by School of Music faculty.

Outside the music school, many other performing opportunities exist, including the Duquesne University Pep Band, Red Masquers, Mic Drop A Capella, Encore Show Choir, Gospel Choir, and more! For more information, visit the Center for Student Involvement.

About the Ensembles

 

Ensemble Opportunities

There are a variety of large and small ensembles that cover a wide range of musical styles and genres that you can perform in as a student at the Mary Pappert School of Music.

A saxophonist stands and solos at a jazz ensemble concert.

Performances

As a member of our ensembles, you will have the opportunity to perform in many concerts. Our students regularly perform in local and regional venues, as well as outside the Pittsburgh area in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center in New York City.

View the Calendar
A woman holding a Duquesne University choir folder sings in concert.

Not a Music Major?

No problem! Duquesne's performing ensembles are open to students in all majors by audition. Email Caron Daley, Ensembles Coordinator for more information.

Contact the Ensembles Coordinator
Daniel Meyer conducts the orchestra.

Ensemble Directors

Our ensemble faculty members have extensive experience leading professional organizations including the Grammy Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the River City Brass Band, and the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. Directors of each of our ensembles are listed on the specific ensemble's page.

Upcoming Ensemble Events

A timpanist performs.

Percussion and Saxophone Ensembles

Eliseo Rael, Percussion Ensemble directorKeith Young, Saxophone Ensemble director This...

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Splash in a body of water in front of a sunset.

Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

Duquesne University Flute ChoirDan Parasky, directorExperience both a traditional and...

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Sheet music.

Three Concertos, Three Arias, and a Chaconne

The Dukes MusicDr. Paul Miller, directorFeaturing arias from Handel’s Messiah, Samson,...

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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A girl playing cello smiles.

Duquesne Symphony Orchestra & Choirs

Daniel MeyerDirector of Orchestral ActivitiesDr. Caron DaleyDirector of Choral ActivitiesAdmission$10...

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  • Carnegie Music Hall
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Students rehearse.

Jazz Chamber Groups

Jeff Bush, Assistant Program Director of Jazz Studies Admission $10 Suggested Donation...

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Concerts & Events

Students and faculty of the Mary Pappert School of Music present over 200 annual concerts and recitals. 

Learn more about our events:

Full Calendar of Events

Concert Series:

Music on the Bluff Series  |  Uptown Jazz Series  |  Student & Faculty Recital Series  |  Master Class & Guest Artist Series

Admission Information

Most events are either free or $10 general admission. With the exception of the Music on the Bluff series, anyone under 18 years old may attend any regular admission concert free of charge.

Got a question about Ensembles at Duquesne?

Contact the Ensembles Area Coordinator

Dr. Caron Daley

Ensembles Area Coordinator

smiling woman in green shirt and green glasses