In addition to private lessons, students in this program play in one of the JVL SSPA's two orchestras. The orchestras are a mixture of all-student and student/artist-faculty players. Upon arrival in Cremona, students will audition to confirm the preliminary allocation in an orchestra.

Concerts are directed by artist-faculty and guest conductors, and soloists include guest artists, artist-faculty members, and student competition winners. The ensembles provide its members with an important opportunity to continue to develop their orchestral playing skills while rehearsing and performing major orchestral works.

Orchestras perform regularly in various venues in Cremona and in Crema with prominent conductors and soloists. The rehearsal and performance schedule is rigorous, and performances are at a professional standard.

Some strings players are placed in one orchestra, others will rotate through a variety of orchestral experiences throughout the season.

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