Oxford University Orchestra
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About OUO

As the flagship orchestra of the University, OUO is always conducted by a professional and regularly uses professional soloists. Members of the orchestra are all students at Oxford. Recent conductors include Sir Roger Norrington, Peter Stark, Douglas Boyd, Jason Lai and Garry Walker. Soloists have included Anthony Marwood, Simon Preston, Raphael Wallfisch, Guy Johnston and Thomas Trotter.

OUO generally gives a concert fairly early in each term after intensive rehearsal. Recent performances have featured Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony, Mahler's Fifth Symphony, Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra, Dvořák's Seventh Symphony, and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.

"...bold, satisfying music making..."
"...imperceptibly and inevitably the audience was reeled in..."
"...remarkable for blazing brass effects, wind solos... and thrilling string playing..."


Joining the OUO

If you are a member of the University of Oxford, and are interested in joining the OUO or another of the University's orchestras, then we have a co-ordinated audition process at the start of Michaelmas term. This means that a single audition is all that is necessary to be considered for all the University's major ensembles. Details for the auditions, and sign-up sheets for times, will be available at the OUMS stand at the Freshers' Fair in Michaelmas term. OUMS auditions are held on Saturday of 0th and Sunday of 1st weeks of Michaelmas Term.

The audition typically involves a short solo performance - this can normally be from any piece you feel will show off your abilities well, and should last 3-4 mins. This needn't be a complete piece; excerpts are quite fine. There will then be a short piece of sightreading to tackle, and that is all. You'll hear a result within days of the audition, and hopefully be invited to join us to make music right away!

The OUMS ensembles are occasionally able to take on musicians from outside the University, and may consider applications at other times of year too. To make such an enquiry about the OUO, please contact the OUO Manager, whose details are on the Contact page.


The Committee

 

Emma-Jane Willan Manager
Louise Walport Assistant Manager; Social Secretary
Lizzie Grew Treasurer
Louise Bralsford Secretary
Isla Mundell Perkins
Leader; Ticket Rep
Tom Hancox Wind Rep
Graham Sale String Rep
Sarah Barker Music Librarian
Andrew Ker Senior Member; Percussion Rep
Stuart Baran Webmaster
Tom Butcher String Rep
Alex Richmond Brass Rep
James Longstaffe Publicity
Anke Batty
Publicity
Charlie Wilson Committee Member
Frank von Delft
Committee Member