KU Symphony Orchestra

An orchestra with music stands in the foreground

As the flagship ensemble of our institution, the KU Symphony Orchestra prides itself on cultivating a culture of artistic excellence. Comprised primarily of accomplished music majors and exceptionally talented non-majors, our ensemble offers a dynamic platform for musicians to showcase their skills and collaborate in pursuit of musical mastery.

At the heart of our orchestra's success is our commitment to collaboration with world-renowned guest artists and conductors, providing our members with invaluable opportunities for growth and artistic development. Selected performers have the distinct privilege of participating in captivating productions alongside the acclaimed KU Opera and KU Musical Productions.

Join us at the KU Symphony Orchestra and become part of a legacy of musical innovation and performance excellence. Together, let's embark on a journey of musical discovery and artistic achievement!

Rehearsal Schedule: 

Fall Semester: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 4:00pm to 5:50pm

Spring Semester: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 4:00pm to 5:50pm

KU Symphony Orchestra Performance Schedule 2024-25

“Converging Cultures” September 25 (Wednesday) – Creston Herron, music director

Danzas fantásticas, Op. 22 mvt. III “Orgia” – Joaquín Turina

“The Slide Shows” Double Trombone Concerto for Classical and Jazz Trombone – Vincent Gardner (Michael Davidson & Vincent Gardner, Lied Center guest artist)

Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor, Op. 107 “Reformation”  – Felix Bartholdy Mendelssohn

“Sounds of Resilience” November 7 (Thursday) – Creston Herron, music director

Egmont Overture in G major, Op. 84 – Ludwig van Beethoven

Trail of Tears Concerto for Flute and Chamber Orchestra – Michael Daugherty (Daniel Velasco, faculty soloists)

Wave – Snow Kim (Lawner Prize Composition)

Marche Slave in B Flat minor, Op. 31 - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

December 3 (Sunday), 100th Annual KU Holiday Vespers – Creston Herron & Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, faculty conductors

Repertoire TBA

“Mirage and Majesty” February 13 (Thursday) – Creston Herron, music director

Procession of the Nobles - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

“Mirage” Concerto for Cello and Orchestra – Andrea Casarrubios (Hannah Collins, faculty soloists)

Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73 – Johannes Brahms

“Tales of Triumph” April 9 (Wednesday) – Creston Herron, music director

Musica Ignota – Ingrid Stolzel

Concerto Competition Winner TBA

Scheherazade, Op. 35 - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

KU Symphony Orchestra History

Founded in 1904, the orchestra program at the University of Kansas is one of the oldest in the nation. Dean Skilton first assembled a group of music students to form a rudimentary ensemble and the KU Symphony Orchestra (KUSO) has grown during the ensuing 100 years. The KUSO serves the university community and the greater Lawrence area, while reaching out to audiences in nearby cities.

References to an orchestral ensemble at the University of Kansas date back to the 1870s. Formally established in 1904, the orchestral program at the University of Kansas is one of the oldest in the nation. Dean Skilton first assembled a group of music students to form a small ensemble and the KU Symphony Orchestra has grown to national prominence during the ensuing years. KUSO serves the university community, the greater Lawrence and Kansas City areas, whilst reaching out to audiences in nearby cities.