University of London

Symphony Orchestra 2017-18 AUDITIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Apply now at www.ulso.co.uk Facebook.com/ulsymphony @ulsymphony

About Us

Concerto Competition

The University of London Symphony Orchestra (ULSO) is widely recognised as one of the leading student orchestras in the UK. Founded in 1955, it was established to provide students from the diverse academic backgrounds of the University of London’s (UoL’s) component colleges with a unique opportunity to study and perform some of the most challenging symphonic repertoire to the highest standard.

All current and former members are eligible to participate in our annual Concerto Competition, giving our finest players an opportunity to showcase their talent in a concerto performance in the current or any subsequent season. The competition for 2017/18 will take place over two rounds in March 2018.

We cater 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. Furthermore, we are expanding our Education and Outreach projects in which all our members are encouraged to participate.

Rehearsals ULSO is professionally conducted and operates during term time, performing around five concerts per season. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings between 19:00-22:00 in St Stephen’s Church, Gloucester Road for 2-5 weeks before each concert, occasionally with extra rehearsals on Saturdays.

Further details and the entry form may be found on our website.

Membership ULSO provides a highly skilled and sociable environment for students of the constituent colleges of the UoL to share their love of orchestral playing. Players outside of UoL (including non-students) may join as Affiliate members. Being a student-run society, ULSO relies on subscription fees from the members in order to maintain the running of the orchestra, which includes music, venue and percussion hire and soloist and conductor fees. Subscription fees for 2017/18 are £45 per member for all members.

2017/18 Season Detailed below are the project and rehearsals for our upcoming season. ULSO is looking forward to another successful year with our Music Director, Daniel Capps, who will conduct three of our projects this season. A Conductor of the New York City Ballet since 2012, his guidance has led to many successful projects over many years with the orchestra. (danielcapps.com) In addition, we will be joined by guest conductors and soloists including the winners of the 2016/17 Concerto Competition, Angharad Thomas (bassoon) and Alex McFarlane (viola). Winners of our 2017/18 competition may also feature this year. Autumn - 18 Nov 2017 – Daniel Capps Rehearsals: 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 16 Nov (Thu), 18 Nov Walton – Viola Concerto (Soloist: Alex McFarlane) Shostakovich – Symphony No. 12 Winter – 11 Feb 2018 – Peter Stark Rehearsals: 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 27 Jan, 3 Feb, 10 Feb, 11 Feb Stravinsky – Symphony in Three Movements Spring 25 Mar 2018 – Daniel Capps Rehearsals: 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 22 Mar, 24 Mar, 25 Mar Turnage - Frieze Stravinsky – The Firebird (complete) Summer 1 – 10 June 2018 –Conductor tbc Rehearsals: 22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun, 9 Jun, 10 Jun Weber – Bassoon Concerto in F Major (Soloist: Angharad Thomas) Berio - Rendering Summer 2 - 30 June 2017 – Conductor tbc Rehearsals: 19 Jun, 26 Jun, 28 Jun, 30 Jun Programme to include Dvorak and Beethoven. Rehearsals: 19/06, 26/06, 28/06 Concert: 30/06 Please note that programmes and conductors are subject to change; please check our website for up-to-date information.

Daniel Capps – Music Director Daniel Capps made his debut with New York City Ballet in October 2011 and, following several further invitations over the winter season, was appointed as Conductor in July 2012. Daniel first conducted for dance with the Royal Ballet, making his main stage debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in May 2008, where he has been a regular guest ever since. Daniel's work with the Royal Ballet has received much critical acclaim and has been broadcast on both television and 'Big Screens' in the UK and abroad, including a DVD release of Wayne McGregor's ballet Chroma. He has also toured with the Royal Ballet and NYCB to China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Denmark and the USA, conducting at venues such as the Beijing National Theatre, Tiananmen Square, the Kennedy Center, Washington, the Bunka Kaikan, Tokyo and the Gran Teatro, Havana. In June 2011 Daniel made his debut with the National Ballet of Canada, conducting Christopher Wheeldon's ballet Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Daniel graduated with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music and in 2012 was made an Associate (ARAM).

Welcome from the Chair – Tom Rowan Young Hello, my name is Tom Rowan-Young, I am delighted to welcome you all to ULSO's 2017/18 season! My time in ULSO has provided invaluable orchestral experience and a great opportunity to network with other fantastic musicians. We've got an incredibly exciting season of music coming up this year, playing everything from Wagner to Berio, and will be working with some truly exceptional conductors and soloists. I hope you're looking forward to the season as much as I am, and I look forward to meeting you at the first rehearsal! Tom Rowan-Young, Violin Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Your Audition Every seat in the orchestra is auditioned annually. Applicants must be of at least ABRSM Grade 8 standard. During the audition, you will be required to perform a 5 minute prepared piece (or a longer piece which may be interrupted)*, a few excerpts and a short piece of sight-reading. In most cases, your audition should last no longer than 15 minutes. Excerpts are released two weeks before the audition sessions begin and will be posted onto the ULSO website. *Percussion and timpani applicants are not required to play a five minute piece, only excerpts. Please note that ULSO cannot provide an accompanist for the audition, nor do we require you to use an accompanist for the purposed of this audition. Full details and the application form may be found on our website, www.ulso.co.uk - please check our website for updates and contact us at [email protected] should you have any questions.

Contact Us

[email protected] www.ulso.co.uk Facebook.com/ulsymphony @ulsymphony