KU Symphony Orchestra

a group of musicians playing cellos

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: Tuesday, Thursday 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Spring Semester: Tuesday, Thursday 3:30pm to 6:30pm

KU Symphony Orchestra Performance Schedule 2026-27

“The Power of Three: Bach, Beethoven & Brahms” September 30 (Wednesday) 
Creston Herron, music director

Academic Festival Overture, op. 80 - Johannes Brahms
Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 - Johann Sebastian Bach (Joshua Brown, guest soloist)
Symphony No. 4 in B♭ major, Op. 60 – Ludwig van Beethoven

“Momentum” November 11 (Wednesday)  
Creston Herron, music director

Lightspeed - Kevin Day
Spanish Concerto for Tuba - Eduardo Noguerlores (David Earll, faculty soloist) 
Tzigane, M. 76 - Maurice Ravel (David Colwell, faculty soloist)
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45 - Sergei Rachmaninoff

102nd Annual KU Holiday Vespers December 6 (Sunday) – Creston Herron & Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, faculty conductors

“Voices of Today” February 11 (Thursday) 
Creston Herron, music director

Supermaximum - Kenji Bunch
Comet Coggia - Ingrid Stölzel 
Concerto in A minor for Oboe and Strings - Ralph Vaughn Williams (Margaret Marco, faculty soloist)
Rainbow Body - Christopher Theofanidis

Scholarship Concert March 6 (Saturday) - School of Music
Music Selections TBD

“Season Finale” April 14 (Wednesday) 
Creston Herron, music director
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43 - Jean Sibelius
 

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.