F. Ludwig Diehn School of MusicOld Dominion University Symphony Orchestra

2022-2023: In the Spotlight

The Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra shines a spotlight this season both on its esteemed student and faculty performers as well as to a number of historically under-represented composers throughout history. Based on its refined level of playing, the orchestra has earned the honor of being selected to perform at the 2022 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference in Richmond this November. This performance will showcase our students in front of music educators and administrators all across Virginia. Featured composers include Cécile Chaminade, Amy Beach, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. We are excited to collaborate with our Diehn School of Music's new Executive Director, Dr. Emily Ondracek-Peterson, as a violin soloist in February. The orchestra again will showcase winners of our annual Young Artists Competition and will close the season with another grand collaboration with the ODU Concert Choir. Enjoy watching and listening as these wonderful performers and composers take center stage.

About the Orchestra

Founded in 1977, the Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra (ODUSO) performs works from the standard classical and contemporary repertoire for full orchestra. It is a fantastic opportunity to interact with other passionate student musicians who work together and challenge each other to make music of the highest quality possible.

ODUSO is open to all students, faculty, and staff at Old Dominion University by audition. Community members may also audition and are considered on an as-needed basis.

In addition to a diverse repertoire from all periods and styles, the ODUSO:

features faculty soloists from ODU and beyond
hosts a department-wide Young Artist Competition in the fall with the winners appearing in the spring
collaborates with leading high school orchestras in the region

Several concerts are performed each season featuring both symphonic and string orchestra literature, often in conjunction with the Concert Choir and ODU Opera. The orchestra also occasionally serves as a laboratory orchestra for composition and conducting students.

The following links below provide additional information about the ODU Symphony Orchestra. Please contact Dr. Paul Sanho Kim if you are interested in joining!

ODU Symphony Orchestra: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Ballade at Virginia Music Educators Association Conference 2022

ODU Symphony Orchestra: Bach Fugue in G Minor, BWV 578

Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 2. mvt. 1. Andrey Kasparov, soloist; ODU Symphony Orchestra with the Governor's School for the Arts Orchestra, Jeff Phelps, conductor.

ODU Side by Side with the Virginia Symphony

The Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra teamed up with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for the first time in 2018 with a side-by-side "Russian Perspectives" concert. Works included Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Overture, led by music director Paul Kim; Shchedrin's Carmen Suite, conducted by percussion instructor David Walker and featuring the ODU Percussion Ensemble; and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, led by VSO's Benjamin Rous.