University Symphony Orchestra
Barbara Schubert, director
The 100-member University Symphony Orchestra presents an ambitious season of five major concerts per year. Widely known for its imaginative presentations of unusual repertoire as well as for its powerful performances of major symphonic literature, the University Symphony opens each season with a costumed Halloween concert – a family-friendly event enhanced by storytelling, dancing, and special effects – and generally closes the year with a celebratory year-end collaboration with the combined choirs. Repertoire encompasses 19th- and 20th-century works written for large orchestral forces, including masterpieces as well as lesser known gems by Beethoven, Brahms, Dvořák, Mahler, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Stravinsky, Vaughan Williams, and more. Over the past decade the USO has presented a number of silent films with live orchestral accompaniment as well, including Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin. The USO performs with acclaimed young professional soloists nearly every season, and features UChicago Concerto Competition winners every second year.
USO string sections receive coaching by the Department's Artists-in-Residence and Chicago-are professional musicians; woodwind, brass, and percussion sections are coached by local professionals and members of the Department's Ensembles-in-Residence.
Membership in the University Symphony is selected on the basis of competitive auditions held at the beginning of each academic year. The USO includes both undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, UChicago alumni, and community members, with preference for membership given to qualified UChicago students.
Rehearsals & Performances
The USO rehearses weekly on Wednesdays, 7:00-10:00 PM. The ensemble presents five to six concerts per year.
2026-27 Concerts:
- Saturday, October 24 / 7 & 9 PM / Mandel Hall – Halloween Concerts
- Saturday, December 5 / 8 PM / Mandel Hall
- Saturday, January 30 / 8 PM / Mandel Hall
- Saturday, February 27 / 8 PM / Mandel Hall
- Saturday, April 24 / 8 PM / Logan Center for the Arts Performance Hall – Spring Showcase
- Saturday, May 8 / 8 PM / Mandel Hall – with University Chorus and Motet Choir
- Sunday, May 9 / 3 PM / Mandel Hall – with University Chorus and Motet Choir
Auditions
Students interested in joining the University Symphony Orchestra must audition at the beginning of the autumn quarter. Please visit the Auditions page for complete information, including audition requirements.