The EUMS Symphony Orchestra is the largest orchestra at the University of Edinburgh. It is the society’s only fully auditioned ensemble rehearsing every week in term-time at 6.30 on a Monday evening in the Reid Concert Hall in Bristo Square.

The orchestra aims to provide students with the opportunity to play large-scale orchestral works to a very high standard. Concerts are given at the end of each semester in various locations around Edinburgh, including Greyfriars Kirk and St Mary’s Cathedral. Recent works have included Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Rimsky Korzakov’s Scheherazade and Respighi’s Pines of Rome. Feel free to have a listen to an excerpt from a concert recording of Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony:

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Every two years the orchestra teams up with the EUMS Chorus to perform large scale orchestral and choral works in one of its concerts. Last performed was Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with soloists from within the music society as well as professional singers. This year Symphony Orchestra team up with the Chorus to perform The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar.

Auditions for all instruments take place during Fresher’s Week and can be signed up for during the Fresher’s Fair. The audition involves playing a piece of music selected by yourself and also a short bit of sight-reading.

For further details please do not hesitate to contact our Symphony Manager directly at symphony@eums.org.uk.