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UEA Symphony Orchestra is a full Symphony Orchestra open to all by audition and tackling major repertoire. It is conducted by UEA Director of Music, Stuart Dunlop.
Rehearsals and performances
UEA Symphony Orchestra enjoys membership from students, staff, and members of the local community. The orchestra rehearse on campus every Wednesday (18:30 - 21:15), during semester time, and perform either alone or with the UEA Choir at least twice a year. You can find details of past UEA Symphony Orchestra performances in our Events Archive.
The UEA Symphony Orchestra 2024-25 concert season will conclude on Thursday 20 March 2025 with 'Ad Astra' at The Church of St Peter Mancroft (Hay Hill, Norwich, NR2 1QX). Tickets cost £6-£12 and are available to purchase from the UEA online store.
You can find details of forthcoming UEA Symphony Orchestra performances in our Upcoming Events Calendar.
Auditions
UEA Symphony Orchestra is open to players of Grade 7 standard or above (however, there is no need to have passed any exams), who (ideally) have some orchestral experience.
All players are auditioned, however the auditions are short and very informal.
Auditions for the 2024–25 concert season have now taken place. Auditions for the 2025-26 concert season will take place on Friday 19 and Monday 22 September 2025. Auditions are ten minutes long. For the audition, candidates will be asked to attempt a short piece of sight reading. They will also be asked to perform a short pre-prepared piece or extract (approximately 2-3 minutes in duration). This can be any piece which they are currently playing or learning. They will be asked to play without accompaniment, but the piece they choose does not have to be unaccompanied.
There is no subscription fee for the UEA Symphony Orchestra.