Symphony Orchestra
Rehearsals
Tuesdays, 7pm - 9:30pm
Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre
Want to learn more?
Explore our concert season and see how you can be part of this vibrant musical community at: https://uwso.wordpress.com/ or connect on social media at: https://linktr.ee/uwso
Auditions
For the first two weeks of term, concluding in a Free Concert in Week 2, all players are welcome and no audition is required. Wind and Brass auditions, along with String Leader auditions (for the front two desks), take place in Week 2 of Term 1 to form the orchestra for the remainder of the academic year. Audition sign-ups are available via the Music Centre.
All other string and percussion places are non-auditioned, although a playing standard of approximately Grade 7 or equivalent is expected.
We also provide a number of non-auditioned opportunities through the Warwick Festival Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, opera projects, and a variety of small ensembles.
Experience the University of Warwick Symphony Orchestra
Welcome to UWSO
The University of Warwick Symphony Orchestra brings together over a hundred musicians from across the student body and University staff. Conducted by a mixture of staff and student conductors, UWSO thrives on the dedication and ambition of its members, creating something truly special despite Warwick not offering a music degree.
We are passionate about creating an environment in which musicians can develop their skills, perform ambitious repertoire, and build friendships that last throughout university and beyond.
Repertoire Spanning Centuries
Rehearsals take place every Tuesday in Butterworth Hall, culminating in concerts each term featuring repertoire spanning centuries.
From large-scale symphonic works such as Mahler's Symphony No. 1 and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite to concertos performed by our student soloists, UWSO presents an exciting and varied programme each year. Find out more about our upcoming concerts through our social media.
Musical Opportunities
Alongside our flagship symphony orchestra, UWSO offers a wealth of opportunities for musicians of all interests and experience levels.
The Warwick Festival Orchestra is a student-conducted, unauditioned project that rehearses intensively over a shorter period, making it ideal for those unable to commit to weekly rehearsals or those looking for even more opportunities to perform. Previous repertoire has included Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony and Márquez’s Danzón No. 2. The Chamber Orchestra explores the more intimate world of chamber repertoire and has presented projects ranging from family concerts, including Paddington (2025) and Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf (2026), to performing at a lavish Indian wedding in Delhi (2009) and Monte Carlo (2011), collaborating with the Warwick Chamber Choir for Bach’s Magnificat, and being involved in a music in prisons project.
For those interested in pit orchestras, students can join the Opera Orchestra, accompanying Opera Warwick’s productions throughout the academic year, such as Bernstein’s Candide. For those interested in smaller ensembles, we help organise groups ranging from string quartets to wind quintets, allowing musicians to explore chamber music, form close friendships, and perform in end-of-term concerts.
Learn more about these opportunities, and the many more we offer, through our social media.
More than Music
UWSO is much more than an orchestra: we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and sociable community where friendships are formed both on and off the stage. Alongside rehearsals and concerts, we run weekly socials ranging from games nights and pub golf to fresher events, the Music Centre Ball and barbecue, and much more. We also head to the pub together after rehearsal every Tuesday, giving members the perfect chance to relax and spend time together.
The orchestra also tours every year. Most recently, we travelled to Lille, France, while previous tours have taken us to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Tours have also led to some unforgettable experiences, from performing on television in Ryazan, Russia, to playing at a wedding in Lucknow, India, on a revolving stage in front of over 10,000 people.
Experience the Magic of Live Music
The orchestra performs regularly throughout the year in Butterworth Hall. We often collaborate with the University Chorus and professional soloists, creating unforgettable evenings of live music.
Whether you are looking to join the orchestra, discover new musical opportunities, or simply come along to one of our concerts, keep up to date through our social media channels - we look forward to welcoming you to UWSO!
