uosymphony

The University of Oregon Orchestra Program

The University of Oregon Symphony Orchestra program is one of the most vibrant and comprehensive in the western United States, encompassing three distinct ensembles that serve students across all levels of study and experience.

University Symphony Orchestra (UOSO)

The University Symphony Orchestra is the flagship ensemble of the program, comprising the finest string, wind, brass, and percussion players at the University. The orchestra performs repertoire spanning a wide range of historical periods and musical styles, offering both students and audiences a deeply engaging artistic experience.

For students, UOSO provides invaluable opportunities to perform cornerstone works of the symphonic repertoire, collaborate with living composers, guest conductors, and distinguished soloists, and develop a deeper understanding of the music-making process itself. For audiences, the orchestra offers thoughtfully curated, exciting, and emotionally resonant performances.

The UOSO presents six to seven major symphonic programs annually, and serves as the pit orchestra for UO Opera. Repertoire highlights include Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Brahms’s Symphony No. 1, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé, Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10. The orchestra can also be heard on the NAXOS label performing George Walker’s Piano Concerto with soloist Alexandre Dossin.

Oregon Camerata

The Oregon Camerata is a highly selective chamber orchestra composed of performance majors drawn from the UOSO. Operating on a professional model, the Camerata utilizes a flexible player-pool approach, typically employing single players per part and rehearsing intensively for only four to five sessions before performance.

This ensemble explores chamber and contemporary orchestral works that challenge players to perform with precision, sensitivity, and independence. Repertoire highlights include Copland’s Appalachian Spring (original 13-instrument version), Daugherty’s Flamingo, Crumb’s Vestiges of a Distant Time, and Bach’s Overture from Orchestral Suite No. 3.

Campus Orchestra

The Campus Orchestra is a welcoming string ensemble open to students from all academic disciplines. Designed as a low-stress, high-reward opportunity, it rehearses once per week and provides a space for non-majors to continue making music while connecting with other musicians across campus. It also offers string education majors valuable opportunities to explore secondary instruments and gain ensemble leadership experience.

Repertoire highlights include Britten’s Simple Symphony, Stamitz’s Mannheim Symphony, and Sibelius’s Andante Festivo.

About the School of Music and Dance

The University of Oregon School of Music and Dance is the state’s flagship institution for music study and one of the leading programs in the region. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in music, the school is home to more than 850 music majors and minors, supported by a distinguished faculty of 80 artist-teachers and scholars.