Symphony Orchestra
The Sonoma State Symphony Orchestra is comprised of the finest string, wind, brass, and percussion students at Sonoma State and of musicians from the broader Sonoma County community. Under the direction of Dr. Alexander Kahn, the Symphony Orchestra performs a diverse array of orchestral literature, ranging from the Baroque period to world premieres and from classical repertoire to film, opera, and educational works. Student compositions are chosen through an annual composition competition. Soloists are regularly featured, including guest artists, faculty soloists, and student soloists chosen through the annual concerto competition. In addition to performing four concerts each year in the beautiful confines of Weill Hall, the Symphony Orchestra performs regularly on tour throughout California and beyond.
Events
Information about our competitions and concert seasons can be found on our Events page:
Faculty
Course Information
MUS 328 Symphony Orchestra, 1 unit of credit
Meeting Dates
Monday and Wednesday, 4:00-6:00 pm in Weill Hall
Participation
Membership in the Orchestra is by audition, and is open to all students, regardless of major, and members of the community. String majors focusing on classical performance and/or instrumental music education are required to participate in the Orchestra every semester while in residence at SSU. Wind, brass, and percussion majors focusing on classical performance and/or instrumental music education are required to participate in either the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, or Symphony Orchestra every semester while in residence at SSU. Students may participate in more than one ensemble.
Auditions
Membership is through audition only and is open to all SSU students, regardless of major, as well as community members. Auditions are held during the first week of each semester. Auditions consist of major and minor scales and orchestral excerpts. Audition information can be found on our ensemble auditions page.
Instruments
A limited number of university-owned instruments are available to students free of charge. To request an instrument, please contact the Music Librarian(link sends e-mail).
Concert dates
Please visit our 2024-25 Concert Season page and our Past Concert Seasons page for information on our previous and upcoming seasons.
Support us: The Sonoma State Symphony Orchestra is generously funded through the Department of Music at Sonoma State University. However, donations are gratefully received to support our various initiatives, including our annual Concerto Competition, Composition Competition, Family Concert series, and our Lesson Scholarship Fund for Non-Majors. Please consider making a gift to support us! For more information please contact Alexander Kahn and/or Kris Berger, Director of Development for the Green Music Center.
