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 2023-24 concert season will conclude on Thursday 21 March 2024 with UEA Symphony Orchestra's 'Roots and Dances' concert at The Church of St Peter Mancroft, Norwich. Tickets for the 'Roots and Dances' concert are available to buy online now from the UEA store (until 10am on the day of the concert); a limited number of tickets may also be available to purchase (by card or cheque only) on the door. 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 2023 – 24 concert season have now passed. However, we do still have some vacancies for strings. To book an audition please fill out this form or email us stating your instrument, experience and availability for audition. 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.