The University Orchestra Salzburg – a musical statement
Since time immemorial, people have communicated with each other through music. Today, nothing has changed. From singing along at a rock concert, to headbanging to your favourite song on the radio with your friends, music is even better when shared. Members of the University Orchestra Salzburg feel the same.
In 2019, the Orchestra celebrated its 30th anniversary. Read more below on the Orchestra’s history and successes over the years.
A brief history of the Salzburg University Orchestra
The University Orchestra Salzburg was founded in 1989 by Christian Heller and has been a non-profit association since 2009. The orchestra was inspired by the Vienna University Orchestra and various ensembles at German universities. David Cowan took over from Heller in the summer of 1991, followed by Frank Flade in 1996, before Byung-Wook Lee took over as musical director in the winter semester of 2000/2001. Stefan Susana took over as conductor in the winter semester 2002/2003. Martin Fuchsberger led the orchestra until the current conductor, Carlos Chamorro, took over in the winter semester 2016/2017.
The University Orchestra Salzburg – students and teachers making music together
The University Orchestra Salzburg is made up of 50 to 60 people who are passionate about sharing and celebrating their passion for music. Its members include students, teachers and alumni of the University of Salzburg. They rehearse once a week in the Audimax at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the university. From violins, cellos, violas and an impressive percussion section to woodwind and brass instruments – the enthusiasm for music can be found in every beat and every note.
The orchestra is not only a meeting place for many different creatives but serves as an image of the University’s musicality. This is also reflected in the orchestra’s concert programmes. The ensemble, which also includes many talented amateur musicians, can proudly look back on several concerts in Salzburg and the surrounding region. They also played a sold-out tour in Leipzig (Gewandhaus) in 2014 and gave a joint performance of Carmina Burana in Bischofshofen in 2013. They have also performed concerts in Bad Ischl, Kuchl, Mittersill, St. Michael im Lungau, Henndorf and Bad Reichenhall.
The orchestra gives a concert in the University of Salzburg’s auditorium at the end of each semester. The concert programme is put together over the course of the semester. You can find more information on their website.
Your commUNIty team
Photo credit: Peter Beer
