The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra (UTSO) and The University of Texas University Orchestra (UTUO) consist of the finest string, wind, and percussion musicians University-wide. Giving at least ten concerts per season, the two orchestras perform a repertoire covering a 350-year span that allows for student musicians to collaborate and perform for audiences in the local Austin area and beyond.

Symphony Orchestra

The Symphony Orchestra consists primarily of graduate and undergraduate music majors in the Butler School of Music and performs three concerts per semester, playing everything from large masterworks, new and emerging works, and standard literature. The ensemble collaborates often with faculty from the Butler School and professional musicians from around the county. UTSO holds a series of concerto competitions each Spring that feature student musicians from the Butler School, including competitions for strings, brass woodwind & percussion, piano, voice, and composition. 

University Orchestra

The University Orchestra is comprised of both music majors and students from schools all across campus, and presents a similar balance of repertoire performed at a very high level. Led by graduate students in orchestral conducting, this ensemble rehearses in the evenings and gives two concerts per semester.

Degrees

The Butler School of Music offers both master’s (M.M.) and doctoral (D.M.A.) degrees in orchestral conducting for qualified applicants. Information on how to audition and apply for these programs can be found on our Prospective Students page.