University Philharmonia

Tue 7 Oct – Tue 9 Dec 2025

Book now

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 (Friday 3 – Sunday 5 October, 2025). Sign up for auditions here.

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.

This ensemble is managed by the Philharmonia Management Team, comprising of professional staff and student arts management trainees. If you’re interested in joining the team, you can apply for the Arts Management Traineeship position here.

You can find further information about auditions, rehearsal schedules and membership at the bottom of this page.

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?

Dates and tickets

Autumn

Tue 7 Oct – Tue 9 Dec 2025

Tue 28 Oct Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Tue 4 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Tue 11 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Tue 18 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Tue 25 Nov Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Sat 29 Nov Rehearsal

2pm Rehearsal

Sat 29 Nov Concert, Great Hall

7.30pm Concert, Great Hall

Tue 2 Dec Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Tue 9 Dec Rehearsal

6.30pm Rehearsal

Student (£20)

Music Deposit (£10)

Non-Student (£45)

Exhibition

Kate MccGwire

Sat 20 Sep 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026

Theatre & Dance

Mathroo Basha

Sat 1 Nov 2025

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?

Dates and tickets

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on our year-round calendar of events. Click below to join our mailing list, and get our updates straight to your inbox.