Orchestra Conductor
Michael Votta, Jr. | Conductor
Michael Votta, Jr., Music Director of the North Carolina Wind Orchestra, is Professor of Music at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he serves as Associate Chair for Applied Studies and as Director of the UNC Wind Ensemble.. Under his leadership, the wind ensemble has been praised by critics as an ensemble of "tautly drawn sharpness and attention to detail," and has collaborated with world-renowned conductors and composers. In addition, the wind ensemble has been invited to perform at conferences of the Conductors Guild, the College Band Directors National Association and the North Carolina Music Educators Association. Votta and the ensemble formed an artistic partnership with the Prague Conservatory, leading to their residency in Prague and the formation of a Czech/American wind ensemble during the spring semester of 2003.
Critics have praised him as "a conductor with the drive and ability to fully relay artistic thoughts" and for his "interpretations of definition, precision and most importantly, unmitigated joy." Ensembles under his direction have received critical acclaim in the United States and Europe for their "exceptional spirit, verve and precision," their "sterling examples of innovative programming" and "the kind of artistry that is often thought to be the exclusive purview of top symphonic ensembles." His performances have been heard in broadcasts throughout the US, on Austrian National Radio (ÖRF), and Southwest German Television, and have been released internationally on the Primavera label. Numerous major composers including George Crumb, Christopher Rouse, Karel Husa, Olly Wilson, Barbara Kolb, Warren Benson, and Louis Andriessen have praised his performances of their works. Before his appointment at UNC, Votta held conducting positions at Duke University, Ithaca College, the University of South Florida, Miami University (Ohio) and Hope College.
Votta holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting degree from the Eastman School of Music where he served as Assistant Conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and studied with Donald Hunsberger. A native of Michigan, Votta received his undergraduate training and Master of Music degrees from the University of Michigan, where he studied with H. Robert Reynolds.
He is the author of numerous articles on wind literature and conducting. His arrangements and editions for winds have been performed and recorded by university and professional wind ensembles in the US, Europe and Japan. He has served as Editor of the College Band Directors National Association Journal, and as a member of the Executive Board of the International Society for the Investigation of Wind Music (IGEB), and as a State Chairman for CBDNA.
Votta maintains an active schedule as guest conductor and clinician in the US, and has appeared in Europe and Israel. He has taught conducting seminars in the US and Israel, and has guest conducted and lectured at institutions such as the Eastman School of Music, the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the Prague Conservatory and the National Arts Camp at Interlochen. He has also appeared at conferences of numerous organizations including the College Band Directors National Association, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Conference, and state music educators conventions in New York, North Carolina, and Ohio.
As a clarinetist, Votta has performed as a soloist throughout the US and Europe, and currently performs with the North Carolina Symphony. His solo and chamber music recordings are available on the Partridge and Albany labels.
Board of Directors
- David Albert, Board Member
- Gary Evoniuk, President
- Janice Lipson, Grants Committee
- Merida Negrete, Personnel Manager
- Michael Votta, Jr., Artistic Director-Conductor
- Randy Guptill, Board Member
- Robin Gorham, Vice President
Background Information
Our Mission
The NC Wind Orchestra is dedicated to expanding the availability and awareness of classical music throughout our state.
The NCWO presents several public performances each year and regularly engages in educational and community development activities to help foster the growth of arts and culture across North Carolina.
Orchestra Information
The North Carolina Wind Orchestra is a group of professional wind instrumentalists who are dedicated to performing the finest original works for wind ensemble at the highest possible level of excellence.
Audiences benefit from hearing "some of the best artists in our region" performing a repertoire that otherwise would be unavailable in our area with "spirit, verve and precision," and "the kind of artistry that is often thought to be the exclusive purview of our top symphonic ensembles." (Spectator Magazine)
Besides bringing an exciting new art form and a new musical repertoire to our community, the NCWO also aspires to benefit instrumental music education (school bands) in our area by serving as a model and inspiration for students of all ages. NCWO concerts are free to all students; complimentary tickets are sent to all public school music teachers in Wake, Durham and Orange counties.
The NCWO also provides a high-quality performance outlet to some of the area's most talented music educators. By exposing them to the finest wind conductors and performers, the NCWO helps them find renewed creative energy to bring to their classroom teaching and band rehearsals, leading to lasting benefits for thousands in our area.
History of the Orchestra
The North Carolina Wind Orchestra was founded in 1996 to provide a unique musical experience of the highest caliber for North Carolina. A list of previous performances is available online, or to find out about upcoming performances visit the Concerts page.
The Orchestra is currently in an expansion phase. We are currently working to increase our performance schedule and expand our musical horizons, and as we begin our 10th year the future is bright. In addition to a more active performance schedule, we are also expanding our community involvement by forging new partnerships to support music education in North Carolina.