Formed in 1932, the William & Mary Symphony Orchestra is comprised of undergraduate, graduate and community musicians of the College of William & Mary. Its mission is to grow through performances of great orchestral literature and to contribute to the artistic community of the College and beyond.
In recent years, WMSO has performed major works by Beethoven, Berlioz, Brahms, Dvorak, Mahler, Bartok, Ravel and Tchaikovsky, and offers additional opportunities such as guest artist collaborations, premieres, and tours. In 2002, WMSO took its first international tour to Italy and Sicily. In 2017, the orchestra traveled to Paris, France, performing at renowned venues including the Église de la Madeleine. In 2023, WMSO visited Prague and Vienna, performing in Prague’s Klementium Mirror Chapel. Domestically, WMSO has toured along the east coast, including Pittsburg and Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center. Awards received by the WMSO include the third prize in 2017 in the college division of The American Prize, and also the American Prize “special judges’ citation for exceptional orchestra of Non-Music Majors” in 2018.
WMSO rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm and performs 4 programs annually, in addition to appearing at special events such as the Family Weekend Concert. WMSO holds social events both within the organization and with other music ensembles, supports its members at various events, and always strives to foster a supportive and welcoming community at William and Mary.
WMSO is always open to new members, and we’d love to have you as a part of our community! For the most recent audition information, click here.