Fellowship Program of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra
About the Program
The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra is excited to welcome Julius Adams, viola, and returning Fellow Titus Gunderson, cello, for the 2026–27 season. Throughout the season, both Fellows will engage with the La Crosse community by working with local schools, performing for the Emplify Health Music Healing program, participating in the Boys & Girls Club Free Violin Lessons program, and connecting with patrons at Guest Artist Society events and post-concert gatherings. The fellowship provides valuable opportunities for mentorship from Orchestra members, audition preparation, and hands-on experience in music education and community engagement.
Titus Gunderson, cello
Titus Gunderson, a cellist of 13 years, enters his second season as fellow of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s (LSO) for their 2026-27 season. He first began his musical journey with esteemed teacher and community member, Sister Marcela Steffes, at 7 years old. From there, he continued his studies under the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Cello Professor, Derek Clark, and became the 2023 First Prize Winner of the Richard Record Rising Stars Concerto Competition as a senior in high school. Titus is currently exploring the musical offerings of La Crosse, WI and beyond, excited to expand his musical horizons.
Julius Adams, viola
Chicago native Julius Adams joins the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra as a fellow for the 2026–27 season after previously performing with the LSO as guest principal viola. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Adams is an active violist, teacher, and conductor who regularly performs with the North Carolina Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Virginia Symphony, and Omaha Symphony.
Adams earned his master’s degree in viola performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts. In addition to performing, Adams is passionate about conducting and currently leads the Camerata Orchestra at Raleigh Music Collective. He looks forward to returning to La Crosse and becoming more deeply involved with the LSO throughout the 2026–27 season.