University Orchestra

University Orchestra

The University Orchestra perform Beethoven's Phantasie for Piano, Choir and Orchestra with the Sewanee Chorale, a local community chorus.

The University Orchestra was founded in 1987 as an ambitious project to assemble a symphony orchestra within a small liberal arts community. From these beginnings, the orchestra has grown to the point where it presents the full range of the symphonic repertory and collaborates frequently with other organizations to present choral-orchestral and musico-theatrical works. Participation in the University Orchestra is open to all qualified students.

Listen to the University Orchestra:


Beethoven Symphony No. 1 mvt. 1.aif
Beethoven Phantasie.aif


Here are recordings of recent University Orchestra performances featuring student soloists (Michael Corliss ('08), Elgar Cello Concerto, Mv. 1, and Max Smith ('10), Beethoven, Piano Concerto, Mv. 1):
02 Cello Concerto Mv. 1 Michael Corliss.m4a
05 Piano Concerto No. 1 Mv.1 Max Smith.m4a

To hear a student composition premiered by the University Orchestra (Devin Murphy ('08), Introduction,Chaconne and Romance for alto saxophone and orchestra), click here.


While the core of the orchestra consists of undergraduate students, the roster presents a true cross-section of the community and includes students from the School of Theology, faculty from both divisions of the University, and members of the community. A student bassoonist may find himself sharing a desk with a professor of chemistry, and a section may well be led by a professor of French or religion. Led from its inception by Dr. Steven Shrader, this diverse ensemble presents the full range of the symphonic repertory from the Brandenburg Concertos of Bach through Bernstein's Overture to Candide. The Orchestra has joined forces with the Theatre Department in recent years to present Cabaret and Guys and Dolls, and has joined with the Sewanee Chorale to perform Haydn's Mass In Time of War, Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, and a concert version of H.M.S. Pinafore.

Due to a generous grant from the Hugh Caldwell Trust, the Orchestra is frequently able to perform with distinguished guest artists; in recent seasons, the Orchestra has been joined by pianist Michael Gurt (gold medalist of the Gina Bachauer Competition) and Astrid Schween (cellist of the Lark Quartet).






For more information about joining the University Orchestra and upcoming concerts, please contact Steven Shrader.