University Philharmonia

Thu 1 Oct – Sun 6 Dec 2026

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The University of Nottingham Philharmonia is a fantastic orchestra made up of staff, students and alumni from the University of Nottingham.   

If you play an orchestral instrument and are a student, current staff member or alumnus of the University of Nottingham you are welcome to audition for University Philharmonia. Auditions take place at the beginning of the academic year.

Each term, the Philharmonia performs a public concert in venues on the University Park campus or in Nottingham city. The orchestra plays exciting and challenging repertoire and is professionally led by Harry Lai. Student soloists and world-renowned guest artists including Xuefei Yang, Natalie Clein and the Amatis Trio have performed with the orchestra.

Concerts during the 26/27 academic year will include performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, known as the Eroica Symphony, and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1. You can find further information about auditions, rehearsal schedules and membership at the bottom of this page.

If you would like to audition for a place in University Philharmonia, please complete our application form.

FAQ's

Who can audition for the Philharmonia?  

Anyone who is a student, current staff member or alumnus of the University of Nottingham can audition for University Philharmonia. If you joined last year, there’s no need to re-audition this year and we can’t wait to welcome you back to rehearsals. Auditions will take place on Friday 2 October and Saturday 3 October. There is a relaxed ‘Come and Play’ welcome rehearsal on Thursday 1 October for you to try before you audition.

When are rehearsals? 

What standard do I need to be to play in Philharmonia?  

What are the membership fees?

How do I sign-up?

Dates and tickets

Autumn 2026

Thu 1 Oct – Sun 6 Dec 2026

Thu 1 Oct Come and Play Taster Event & Rehearsal

6.30pm Come and Play Taster Event & Rehearsal

Thu 8 Oct Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 15 Oct Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 22 Oct Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 29 Oct Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 5 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 12 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 19 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 26 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Thu 3 Dec Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Sun 6 Dec Rehearsal & Concert (7pm start)

2pm Rehearsal & Concert (7pm start)

Non-Student inc. refundable £10 Music Deposit (£55)

UoN Student inc. refundable £10 Music Deposit (£30)

Exhibition

LagosPhoto: Stories of Movement and Belonging

Sat 19 Sep 2026 – Sun 10 Jan 2027

Children & Families

The Snowsmith

Sat 5 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

University Philharmonia

University Philharmonia

FAQ's

Who can audition for the Philharmonia?

When are rehearsals?

What standard do I need to be to play in Philharmonia?

What are the membership fees?

How do I sign-up?

Dates and tickets

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