June 5, 2003

Contact: Vickie Hamilton-Smith, School of Fine Arts, (785) 864-9742.

KU appoints new director of orchestral activities

LAWRENCE -- Nicholas Uljanov, the new director of orchestral activities at the University of Kansas, brings a world of experience to the job -- literally.

Uljanov, who accepted the position May 21, originally is from Austria. He received degrees from St. Petersburg Conservatory in orchestral and opera conducting. He pursued conducting studies at the Vienna High School of Music and enjoyed a successful debut at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. He also has traveled extensively through invitations to conduct with various major European orchestras, opera houses and festivals, including the Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, the Bavarian State Opera Munich, the State Opera Leipzig and the Munich Opera Festival.

Uljanov was assistant professor and conductor of the Youth Symphony Orchestra at the St. Petersburg Conservatory from 1984 to 1986. In addition to English, he speaks German, French, Russian and Italian.

"I have no doubt that we found the finest orchestra director available internationally," said John Paul Johnson, KU director of choral activities and a key member of the search committee for the position. "Nick is highly regarded for his musicianship and sensitivity to the literature being studied and performed, as well as his strength in teaching artist students."

Uljanov will move to Lawrence over the summer with his family and begin his new position in the fall.

For more information on Uljanov's appointment, please contact the KU Office of Music & Dance at (785) 864-3436.