welcome

The University of London Symphony Orchestra is widely recognised as one of the leading student orchestras in the UK. Founded in 1955, ULSO was established to provide students from the diverse academic backgrounds of the University of London's component colleges with the opportunity to play together.

The orchestra seeks to provide students with the unique opportunity to study and perform some of the most challenging symphonic repertoire to the highest standard, catering both for those wishing to continue and develop their performance skills whilst completing degrees in non-musical subjects, as well as attracting members seeking to pursue careers in professional music.

In 2006 the internationally-renowned conductor John Forster took over as Music Director of ULSO, and repertoire highlights for the orchestra have since included Mahler's Symphony No. 3 with Catherine Wyn-Rogers in March 2007 and Richard Strauss's Alpine Symphony in March 2008.

In September 2008 ULSO travelled abroad for the second time in its history, touring to Hong Kong. An incredibly successful tour, the orchestra played alongside celebrated young soloists Nicola Benedetti and Leonard Elschenbroich, performing in two of the city's most prominent concert venues, Sha Tin Town Hall and Hong Kong City Hall.

In March 2009, ULSO performed for the first time at the internationally-recognised Cadogan Hall in London. An extremely successful performance, the programme comprised Haydn Cello Concerto in C with internationally renowned cellist Guy Johnston and Shostakovich Symphony No. 4. Following the 2009 debut, the orchestra was welcomed back to Cadogan Hall in March 2010 alongside Michael Collins, widely considered to be the world's most versatile Clarinettist, performing Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 2, followed by Mahler's epic Symphony No. 6. A return to Cadogan Hall in 2011 is currently being planned.

A student-run society, ULSO must rely on sponsorship in order to survive. Find out how to join our ULSO Friends scheme and support the orchestra. The orchestra is extremely grateful for the continued support of the University of London Union.