Dr. André Thomas to Headline Residence at University of Missouri School of Music as Part of Mizzou New Music Initiative

Composer, conductor, choral director, and author Dr. André Thomas will be in residence at the University of Missouri School of Music from Nov. 16–21, 2025.

As part of his residency, Dr. Thomas, who was appointed as Associate Artist with the London Symphony Orchestra in 2022, will offer composition lessons, lead choral conducting masterclasses, and rehearse Mizzou’s choirs and orchestra for a major concert on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:00 p.m. in Jesse Hall.

The concert will feature the Choral Union Symphonic Chorus, University Singers, Concert Chorale, and the University Symphony Orchestra, performing a wide range of Thomas’s works with such  guest artists as baritone Jermaine Manor, soprano NaGuanda Nobles, and pianist Bomi Kim.

There will also be additional conducting by Dr. Brandon Boyd, Director of Choral Activities, and Dr. Adam Potter, Visiting Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education.

The program includes “African Noel,” “Deep River,” “Rockin’ Jerusalem,” “Fences,” “I Dream a World,” and “In a Time of Silver Rain,” among others.

The event is sponsored in part by the Mizzou New Music Initiative.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Dr. André Thomas back to Columbia,” said Stefan Freund, Artistic Director of the Mizzou New Music Initiative, per an official press release. “He will have a huge impact on the Mizzou community as he works with our orchestra, choirs, and composers.”

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