At first glance, it might seem like an unlikely alliance. Students from the School of Fine Arts, honors students representing a wide variety of interests and majors, and members of UConn’s Leadership Legacy program listening to a rehearsal by a chamber orchestra known not only for its musical genius but also for its collaborative (conductor-less) leadership style. All in the same room. And all on the ‘same page.’

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, founded in New York City in 1972, has earned critical praise for a repertoire that ranges from the baroque to the contemporary. Performances throughout the world, multiple Grammy Awards, and collaborations with many of the great musicians of our time are highlights. But the feature that makes these musicians special – and that connects them to UConn – is the Orpheus Institute.

Established in 2003 with a goal of sharing the group’s artist-centered philosophy, methodology, and skills with college-aged musicians, the Institute’s support of a collaborative management style brings a valuable message to all who are interested in effective leadership.

It was UConn’s Louis Hanzlik, coordinator of applied music and assistant professor of trumpet and chamber music in the School of Fine Arts, who first suggested introducing UConn students to the Institute’s philosophy.

Hanzlik, who began playing with Orpheus in 2001 and became a member of the group in 2008, says the orchestra thrives on the range of experiences its musicians offer. “We rely on this collective, diverse knowledge and expertise to guide our artistic direction,” he says, “and it’s this philosophy that makes the collaboration with UConn work.

“I see the honors and leadership legacy programs, in and of themselves, as democratic communities similar to the spirit and intent of Orpheus. Add the creative experiences and artistic language that our music students provide to that pool, and you’ve got a great collaboration.”

When Hanzlik first suggested that the Department of Music should become involved with the Orpheus Institute, the dean of the School of Fine Arts, David Woods, agreed. He also saw the benefits of expanding the collaboration beyond the music department to include other students in leadership positions on campus.

Joseph Briody, associate director for leadership development in the Division of Student Affairs, was quick to recognize the possibilities. “Often the students we work with think of either politics or business when they think of leadership. The opportunity to showcase leadership in a fine arts context was really appealing.”

The formal collaboration, which was initiated in 2010, has grown to include several different aspects. This semester, a panel discussion open to the entire UConn community, featured presentations by the orchestra’s executive director Ayden Adler, Hanzlik, and Woods. Also featured was J. Richard Hackman, the Edgar Pierce Professor of Social and Organizational Psychology at Harvard University, who serves on the orchestra’s board of trustees.

Subsequently a group of approximately 40 students traveled to New York City to attend a rehearsal and meet with the musicians.

Briody says, “We took a group [of students] down there and they sat in on a rehearsal and they got to see the musicians interpret and discuss the pieces they were playing. They had a chance to have lunch with them and to talk in-depth about what they had just witnessed and what the orchestra is all about. This experience will culminate on Oct. 14 when Orpheus comes to the Jorgensen to perform the pieces we saw them rehearsing.”

Elysse Yulo ’12 (SFA) is a theater studies major with a focus on dramaturgy and direction. As an honors student and member of the Leadership Legacy Program, she’s been exposed to various leadership opportunities during her time on campus. Yet the experience with Orpheus, she says, was something special. “As someone concentrating on directing, it was really interesting for me to hear about the orchestra’s democratic approach to leadership. It’s a really different mind-set. Another thing that has been great about this is that I’ve had a chance to spend time with students in different areas – engineering and psychology – and to learn what they’re taking away from this experience.”

While students undeniably benefit from exposure to new ideas such as those presented by Orpheus, Hanzlik says that the musicians also take away something positive. “Students today are unbelievably creative,” he says, “they are ready to lead, and grow up collaborating with others from beyond their immediate community. When given an appropriate classroom environment that fosters and requires ideals such as shared leadership, mutuality, teamwork, and creativity, I find that students are not only prepared for these challenges, they are yearning for them!”

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with violinist Gil Shaham will be performing at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.