About the University Symphony Orchestra

The University of Florida Symphony Orchestra is the University of Florida's flagship orchestral ensemble. Founded in October 1912 with ten members, UFSO has grown to a full size symphonic ensemble with over ninety musicians and become a core of the School of Music. It features music majors, minors, and non-majors at both graduate and undergraduate levels and represents a critical academic and cultural cross-section of both the School of Music and the University at large. 

The UFSO is directed by Tiffany Lu, who has led the ensemble since 2022; notable performances in this time include Mahler's Symphony No. 2, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10, and the UF Opera production of Carmen. The UFSO performs three concert programs per semester and collaborates regularly with the UF Choirs and UF Opera, as well as supporting the annual UF Concerto Competition. Past directors include Dr. Raymond Chobaz, who from 1982-2022 led the orchestra in numerous collaborations with ballet and opera productions, television and radio broadcasts, multi-media artists, and composition commissions, earning the orchestra a 2013 ASCAP Foundation Nissim Special Distinction Award for innovative programing.

The University Orchestra rehearses in the Steinbrenner Band Hall on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:55 pm to 3:50 pm (periods 7 and 8). Auditions are required for all members and held each semester. 

In the course catalog UFSO is identified as MUN 1210/3213 (underclassmen/upperclassmen) or MUN6215 (graduate students).