University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra

The University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra (UMSO) offers study and performance opportunities for music majors pursuing bachelor's to doctoral degrees and non-majors. The Orchestra has about 85 members. Approximately two-thirds are undergraduate and one-third are graduate students. 

The Orchestra performs at least two symphonic concerts and one chamber orchestra concert on campus each semester with repertoires including compositions written for full orchestra, chamber orchestra, opera and concerto performances. Recent concerts have included Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra, Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by C. M. von Weber, Mahler's symphonies, and works by Barber, Beethoven, Copland, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and others.

In addition, orchestra members perform in University Opera productions and have the opportunity to play with many professional organizations in Memphis and the Mid-South. Many members of the Orchestra have joined the School's orchestral concert tours to perform in European countries and China. The UMSO supports aspiring young students by premiering their compositions, accompanying winners of the annual UofM Soloists' Competition, and offering significant podium time to student conductors. Most orchestral conducting major students go on to professional careers as conductors, professors, opera coaches, and DMA. candidates. Positions in the Orchestra are filled by audition at the beginning of each semester. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Take a seat on stage for a performance by the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Symphony Orchestra in an interactive virtual tour of campus.