Step into a full orchestral experience with the UNC Symphony Orchestra.

In the UNC Symphony Orchestra, you’ll play diverse repertoire from classical to contemporary with a group that is nationally and internationally recognized. You’ll have the chance to play in Symphony, Chamber and Opera Orchestras according to your abilities and needs. We rehearse twice each week and present a full concert and opera series. Non-music majors are welcome to join with an audition!

We also host the Western States Honor Orchestra Festival every year.

Schedule your audition 

See audition details & excerpts

Learn more about the Western States Honor Orchestra Festival

Get to Know the UNC Symphony Orchestra

UNC Symphony Orchestra

Hone your performance and collaborative skills while playing substantial orchestral repertoire with us!

We recently performed at the 2024 Colorado Music Educators Association conference in Colorado Springs and earned a spot at the 2025 College Orchestra Directors Association conference in Omaha, NE.

We’ve been named “Best U.S. College Orchestra” by DownBeat magazine’s Annual Student Music Awards in several past years and were selected as the “Best U.S. College Classical Ensemble” one year. The orchestra has represented UNC and the U.S. at The International Cycle of University Orchestras in Zaragoza, Spain.

Orchestra performing the Exploring Musical Worlds concert.

Each spring our Concerto Competition gives the winners the chance to perform their complete solo work with the UNC Symphony Orchestra.

Orchestra conductor Andrés Felipe Jaime shaking hands with the concert master during applause.

Connect with Us

Concert Highlight: Concerto Competition Winners

Meet Our Orchestra Director