{"id":106651,"date":"2026-02-05T14:36:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/?p=106651"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:36:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:36:08","slug":"uri-to-host-college-orchestra-directors-associations-annual-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/uri-to-host-college-orchestra-directors-associations-annual-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"URI to host College Orchestra Directors Association\u2019s annual conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KINGSTON, R.I. \u2013 Feb. 5, 2026 \u2013 Orchestra and music directors from colleges and universities across the United States and beyond will convene at the University of Rhode Island from Wednesday, Feb. 25, through Sunday, March 1<\/strong>, for the 2026 College Orchestra Directors Association National Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The University of Rhode Island Symphony Orchestra will perform the opening concert of the 2026 CODA National Conference on Feb. 26 at the URI Concert Hall. (URI Photo\/Michael Salerno)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

CODA is a national organization that promotes and advances college and university orchestra programs. It also advocates for and emphasizes the role of orchestra directors in the higher education community: namely, encouraging the development of artistic skills that are the essence of quality conducting, providing resources to better educate students of all majors, and promoting the conductor\u2019s public role in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The five-day event will include breakout workshops and discussions led by conductors from across the country, a keynote address, the association\u2019s annual banquet, and its annual national board meeting. Most of the conference\u2019s events will be held at the URI Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road on the Kingston Campus.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Diane Wittry, music director for the Allentown Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania, will lead a national conducting master class during the 2026 CODA National Conference at URI on Feb. 28. (Photo Courtesy College Orchestra Directors Association)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Four orchestral concerts by multiple colleges and universities will take place during the conference. The URI Symphony Orchestra<\/a>, led by CODA National President and URI Director of Orchestral Studies Luis Viquez<\/a>\u2014who serves as the CODA Conference Host\u2014will perform the conference\u2019s opening concert on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the URI Concert Hall. Other URI ensembles scheduled to perform include the Concert Choir, the Jazz Big Band, and URI faculty and alumni soloists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conference\u2019s other concerts to be held at the URI Concert Hall are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n