University Orchestra
About
The University Orchestra is an undergraduate orchestra comprised of 70 to 75 students.
They present two concerts each semester at the Staller Center. Past repertoire has
included Beethoven Symphony No. 3 and No. 7, Brahms Symphony No. 2 and No. 4, Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 4 and No. 5, Dvorak Symphony No. 8 and No. 9 "New World", Shostakovich
Symphony No. 5 and other major orchestral repertoire including overtures and concertos.
It is a very diverse orchestra made up of both music majors and minors, as well as
qualified non-majors who have been involved in music in their high schools, music
festivals and youth orchestras.
Meeting Time
Tuesday Evenings from 6:30 PM - 9:20 PM (New Rehearsal Time)
Room 0111, Music Building
Audition Video Requirements (limit video to five minutes or less) and submit your video one or two weeks before the beginning of the semester. Include two short contrasting sections of a solo or concerto of your choice OR two contrasting orchestra excerpts fromwww.orchestraexcerpts.com.
Google link to upload your “unlisted” YouTube audition video is:
Google link for Fall 2026
https://forms.gle/YiBKxi8WTDEGD9ct6
Further information or questions – please contact susan.deaver@stonybrook.edu
2026-2027 Concert Performances
All performances unless otherwise noted are at 7:30 PM on the Staller Center Main Stage. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students.
Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. Staller Center, Main Stage
The University Orchestra’s opening concert conducted by Susan Deaver will include Debussy “Fetes” from Nocturnes and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 in G minor “Winter Dreams”. Featured soloist is Aidan Mussaleen, a winner of the 2026 Undergraduate Concerto Competition, performing Vladimir Cosma’s Euphonium Concerto.
Sunday, December 13 at 4 p.m. – Messiah Sing Along & Seasonal Favorites – Recital Hall
A seasonal traditional concert at Stony Brook will feature the University Orchestra with Susan Deaver conductor, guest vocal soloists and conductors in a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Scores will be available for purchase at the door. Choruses from Part One, and, of course, the Hallelujah Chorus will all be sung by the audience! This concert will also feature seasonal favorites from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and some popular holiday music to sing. Admission is free.
Family Orchestra Concert – “Keys to Music – Unlock the Sounds of an Orchestra!”
Tuesday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. Staller Center, Main Stage
This one-hour interactive concert is an annual favorite of the Stony Brook community and their families and is perfect for all ages! This year’s theme is “Keys to Music” will present a broad variety of music that captures the listener with a display of orchestral sounds of the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Admission is free.
Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. Staller Center, Main Stage
The University Orchestra with conductor Susan Deaver will include Mozart Magic Flute Overture and Brahms Symphony No. 4. Featured soloist will be the winner of the 2027 Stony Brook University Undergraduate Concerto Competition.