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 give students from the diverse academic backgrounds of the University of London the opportunity to develop their interests in orchestral playing.
Until 2020, ULSO was generously supported by the University of London Union, however, during the Covid-19 pandemic ULU was permanently closed, leaving the orchestra facing a very bleak outlook.
Determined to preserve the future of the Orchestra and despite having lost all financial support, we have worked tirelessly to revive the fortunes of ULSO. The industry and imagination of several former Chairs saw the formation of a Charitable Trust to provide long-term governance and structure for the orchestra and it is our hope that the immeasurable effort and deep-rooted enthusiasm of all involved will succeed in securing the future of ULSO for generations to come.
Following the closure of the University of London Union, ULSO is entirely self-funded and we are looking to you for your support. Any donation, however small, is invaluable to us as we strive to offer the same exceptional experience for musicians and audience alike. We are extremely grateful for your support.
I remember performing Mahler 5 with ULSO. Possibly the most iconic piece for a trumpet player - it was amazing to play it in such a supportive environment.
Jason Evans - Principal Trumpet, Philharmonia Orchestra
ULSO provided some of the most enjoyable and informative orchestral experience of my student days.
Alex McFarlane - Associate Principal Viola
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
ULSO provides performance experience which you may not get elsewhere at University or Conservatoire.
Alex McFarlane - Associate Principal Viola
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
ULSO is not only regular playing that you might not get at college in your first few years, but it’s also great socially - getting to meet other players that you might not meet elsewhere.
Finlay Bain - 4th Horn
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I feel that the experiences I garnered from ULSO have helped me with my future professional career.
Alex McFarlane - Associate Principal Viola
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
ULSO helped me to learn how to play in a section and how to deal with certain aspects of playing - like if I happened to have duff chops on that day(!)
Finlay Bain - 4th Horn
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The social experience was great and I still have lasting friendships from my time in ULSO.
Alex McFarlane - Associate Principal Viola
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
ULSO is a great place to meet like minded musicians, to learn great repertoire, and perform to an extremely high level.
Jason Evans - Principal Trumpet, Philharmonia Orchestra
If you are a UK taxpayer, any donation you
make will be
eligible for Gift Aid, which adds a further 25% to your contribution at no cost to you.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us