UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra

About UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra (UCBSO) The UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra (UCBSO) is a distinguished university ensemble with a storied history and a vibrant present. Established in 1923, the UCBSO has developed into one of the premier university orchestras in the United States, renowned for its high musical standards and innovative programming. Under the baton of Music Director David Milnes, who has led the orchestra for over two decades, the UCBSO has cemented its status as a significant cultural force in the Bay Area. The orchestra's seasons are filled with a diverse range of performances, typically offering 15-18 concerts that span the breadth of orchestral repertoire. From the Baroque era to contemporary works, the UCBSO places a special emphasis on music from the 20th century onwards, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the orchestral tradition. The UCBSO is not only a platform for showcasing the works of established composers but also serves as an incubator for emerging talent. Its members, who include students from a variety of academic disciplines such as English, biology, engineering, history, and computer science, often pursue successful careers both within and beyond the musical sphere. The orchestra has been a springboard for musicians who have gone on to further their studies at prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, the Peabody Institute, and the Manhattan School of Music. Alumni have also joined the ranks of world-class orchestras, including the Concertgebouw, the National Symphony, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as leading new music ensembles such as Alarm Will Sound, the International Contemporary Ensemble, and Yarn/Wire. The UCBSO's commitment to excellence is further reinforced through collaborations with Cal Performances, which have facilitated masterclasses and workshops with luminary figures such as Valery Gergiev, Gustavo Dudamel, Marin Alsop, and Esa-Pekka Salonen. Additionally, the orchestra benefits from regular coaching by members of the San Francisco Symphony and Opera orchestras and from interactions with visiting artists like the Vienna Philharmonic and Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra. A hallmark of the UCBSO's programming is its dedication to new music. The orchestra frequently premieres works by UC Berkeley's internationally acclaimed faculty and other prominent composers. Its close relationship with the university's Center for New Music and Technologies has resulted in pioneering performances that incorporate technology, featuring compositions by artists such as Mason Bates, John MacCallum, Philippe Leroux, and Edmund Campion. The orchestra also excels in its interpretations of classical masterworks, having performed complete symphonic cycles by Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Shostakovich, Sibelius, and Prokofiev. The UCBSO's annual concerto competition showcases the exceptional talent within its ranks, with past winners performing a range of concertos by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Grieg, Ravel, Copland, Mozart, Schumann, Elgar, and Shostakovich, among others. In addition to its symphonic concerts, the UCBSO is actively involved in chamber music, with performances in the university's Noon Concert Series and other venues throughout the East Bay. The orchestra also offers additional performance opportunities through its student-conducted chamber orchestra and summer symphony. The UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience its dynamic performances, which are typically held on Friday and Saturday evenings each month. With a rich history and an ongoing commitment to musical innovation, the UCBSO continues to be a beacon of artistic excellence within the university community and beyond.