The Orchestra of the Münster University of Music
Participation in the orchestra of the Münster University of Music, the MHS Orchestra, is a central component of the students' education at the Münster University of Music. Usually, one orchestra project takes place each semester. This includes weekly work in voice and register rehearsals, repertoire rehearsals, and a final rehearsal phase before the semester concert. Theme-specific workshops are also offered from time to time.
The training is geared towards the requirements of musicians in a professional orchestra (symphony orchestra, theater orchestra, or independent ensemble). The working methods and structure of these orchestras are integrated into the daily rehearsals of the MHS Orchestra. This allows students to gain practical experience in the authentic setting of everyday orchestral life while still studying. In addition, during the work phases, the standard repertoire is rehearsed with a view to future auditions. Regular participation in concerts also familiarizes students with the real demands of a professional orchestra.
The repertoire focuses on both the classics of orchestral literature and contemporary works. The repertoire is determined by the orchestra council of the conservatory at the beginning of each semester.
The organizational rules of the orchestra can be found in the orchestra rules.
Orchestra conductor Miloš Dopsaj© Marcel Guthier Orchestra Project and Director
Winter Semester 2025/26
A Christmas Carol
Conductor: Miloš DopsajOn December 13 and 15, 2025, the orchestra project for the 2025/26 winter semester will be performing popular pre-Christmas classics, including “Three Nuts for Cinderella” by Karel Svoboda, Leroy Anderson's “Sleigh Ride,” excerpts from Tchaikovsky's “Nutcracker Suite,” three “Christmas Songs Op. 8” by Peter Cornelius for mezzo-soprano and orchestra, and, of course, the title piece “A Christmas Carol” by Alan Silvestri.
Born in Belgrade (Serbia) in 1981, Miloš Dopsaj studied bassoon there, continuing his studies at the Berlin University of the Arts in 2004, where he graduated with a diploma and concert exam. At the age of 18, he received his first permanent position as principal bassoonist. This was followed by permanent positions at the Belgrade National Opera and the Osnabrück Symphony Orchestra. In 2016, he joined the Münster Symphony Orchestra as principal bassoonist. For the past two years, he has also been a lecturer in bassoon at the Münster University of Music and additionally took over as director of the university orchestra in the winter semester.
Dates: December 13, 2025: Concert hall of the Münster University of Music | December 15, 2025: tba
Summer Semester 2026
Le Sacre de printemps
Conductor: GMD Golo BergDate: June 14, 2026: Main Stage of Theater Münster
Orchestra Office
The Orchestra Office is responsible for all organisational matters concerning the orchestra projects at the Münster University of Music. It can best be reached by e-mail.
Orchestra Office
Miloš Dopsaj | Stephan Schulze | Prof. Koh Kameda
Ludgeriplatz 1
48151 Münster
Tel: +49 251 83-27455
Fax: +49 251 83-27460
E-Mail: orchesterbuero.mhs@uni-muenster.de
Orchestra Council
Leader: Prof. Koh Kameda
The Orchestra Council is an indispensable body for the orchestra work that represents the interests of all parties to the orchestra, ensures efficiency and harmony in cooperation and promotes excellence in musical performance. Its work contributes significantly to the success and stability of the orchestra. The Orchestra Council is the decision-making body for the MHS Orchestra. The Orchestra Council works closely with the Orchestra Office to support the long-term planning and development of the orchestra. This may include the development of long-term strategic goals, budgeting, concert programme design and various selection processes. The members consist of representatives from all orchestra groups. Meetings are held regularly, at least twice a semester.
Registration and credits
RegistrationRegistration to participate in the orchestra takes place during course selection by students and in consultation with the orchestra office and the main lecturers. Participation in the orchestra is mandatory for students from the first semester onwards, depending on the study regulations. Please note the entry in the course catalog.
Credits/Recognition of Academic Achievement
The orchestra regulations (https://www.uni-muenster.de/imperia/md/content/musikhochschule/studium/orchesterordnung_stand_2023-10-30.pdf) summarize the purpose and compulsory participation in § 1:
The orchestra of the Münster University of Music (MHS Orchestra) serves to train students. Participation is mandatory for all students from the first semester onwards who have an orchestral instrument as their main subject (bachelor's and master's programs, certificate program, certificate year). Bachelor's students will receive credit for successful participation in an orchestra project with a course in the open elective area (OWB). Students in other degree programs will receive a certificate of orchestra participation from the orchestra office upon request. Repeated participation may be mandatory and will also be recorded or certified as mentioned above.
The certificate is issued by the orchestra office.
Students who wish to receive credit for participating in the orchestra project in the open elective area must submit the certificate together with this completed document https://www.uni-muenster.de/imperia/md/content/musikhochschule/Studium_V2/Studienangelegenheiten/formular_anerkennung_2024.pdf to the Student Office. Credit in the open elective area is available to all bachelor's students.
There are two additional options for credit:
1. For students in the Bachelor of Music – Music and Creativity program: recognition can be granted in the artistic profile (application for recognition using this form: https://www.uni-muenster.de/imperia/md/content/musikhochschule/Studium_V2/Studienangelegenheiten/kuenstlerisches_profil_anerkennung.pdf).
2. For students in the Master of Music – Music and Creativity program: Students who have chosen orchestra as their focus in the first profile can take the exam as part of the first profile 4 (= Orchestra 4). To do so, students must register for the relevant course + examination in CMS in the semester in which the examination is to be taken. The main subject teacher will then assess the examination, which will be taken as part of the orchestra project. Two examiners are required for this examination (30-minute musical performance).