The Oxford University Orchestra (OUO) is renowned for its excellence as the University's premier student ensemble. For decades, the OUO has offered top-class opportunities to talented players at the University of Oxford, impressing audiences from the University community, the Oxford area, and beyond. As the flagship ensemble of the Oxford University Music Society, the OUO selects its instrumentalists from the very best the University has to offer, including a large number of former members of the National Youth Orchestras (Great Britain, USA, New Zealand, Wales, and Scotland) and BBC Young Musician finalists.
We welcome our members from across the University community: from undergraduates to university staff; music students and those pursuing other subjects; home and overseas students; players from any socio-economic background; and we will do everything we can to make necessary accommodations for disabled members.
Each term, the OUO runs intensive rehearsals, culminating in a high-calibre concert in Oxford's prestigious Sheldonian Theatre. To complement and develop its extraordinarily talented student members, the OUO is always conducted by a professional and regularly features professional soloists. Previous conductors have included the likes of Natalia Luis-Bassa, Peter Stark, Jan Latham-Koenig, Daniel Harding, Ben Palmer, and Sir Roger Norrington. The OUO is fortunate enough to have Steven Isserlis, Midori, and Ian Bostridge among its patrons.
Funded by ticket sales, the Oxford University Music Society, and generous private donors (see the Friends of OUO scheme), the OUO is committed to showcasing ambitious and entertaining programs which challenge and develop its players as well of being of considerable cultural interest to its audience. OUO's repertoire is as diverse as it is impressive, featuring grand works such as Strauss' An Alpine Symphony, Shostakovich's 7th and 11th Symphonies, several Mahler Symphonies (1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th), and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring; as well as more recent compositions, including world and national premieres by Ruth Gipps, Grace-Evangeline Mason, Giulia Monducci, and Sam Buttler. Discover more about the OUO's past concerts here.
The OUO's commitment to excellence extends beyond its showcase concert, with involvement in a variety of exciting projects detailed in the News section. Join us and experience the extraordinary musicianship of the OUO first-hand.
Please explore the rest of the website for more information about our orchestra
