Sinfonia is UAA’s orchestral ensemble that began a partnership with the Anchorage Youth Orchestras (AYO) in the Fall of 2021. University players now collaborate with that ensemble performing three major concerts a year. The Sinfonia/AYO is under the direction of Dr. Bruce Wood. Sinfonia provides an orchestral performing experience for music majors but is open to members from other areas of the University as well as the community.

During the academic year, the combined orchestras rehearse on Tuesdays from 5:30-8:00pm at the Nave (3502 Spenard Rd) and on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30pm in the Fine Arts Building (room 124).

Recent repertoire includes Schubert Unfinished Symphony, Brahms Hungarian Dances, Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1, Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 and Elgar Pomp and Circumstance.

In addition to Sinfonia, students can gain other exceptional orchestral-playing experience in the following groups: the UAA Baroque Orchestra, directed by Dr. John Lutterman; the Anchorage Civic Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Oleg Proskurnya; with the Anchorage Bowl Chamber Orchestra, conducted by UAA alumnus Kyle Lindsey. Many of our more advanced students and alumni have won positions with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, which provides an invaluable opportunity to gain experience at a professional level. And there are also opportunities, as a free-lance musician, to play in the orchestras of such organizations as the Anchorage Concert Chorus, Anchorage Opera and Alaska Chamber Singers.