Our mission is to foster a welcoming instrumental family where students can grow musically, find a family, and shape their own musical experience.
The Musical Experience
Spoiler alert, we play music
The Social Experience
Let's hang out!
Founded in 2016, Cavalier Symphony Orchestra is the first and only student-run full symphony orchestra at the University of Virginia. We are proud to give students and community members the opportunity to continue playing their instrument through college without the stress associated with joining some orchestras. Each semester, we rehearse weekly to prepare for our end-of-semester concert. Our members have the chance to play more advanced music in our Philharmonic Ensemble, form or join a chamber group (e.g. jazz ensemble, string quartets, low brass ensemble, woodwind quartets, etc). In addition to our semesterly concerts, we've played for 3rd Year Ceremony, a large event for all 3rd years and their families, in Old Cabell Hall, and most recently, in the Paramount Theater in Downtown Charlottesville. Our chamber groups have performed at a variety of locations around Grounds, in Charlottesville, and with other organizations including at the Brown Arts & Music Festival and for the UVA Swing Club. We also offer a vibrant social atmosphere, hosting a variety of social events throughout each semester. We have everything from BBQs to hikes to parties to murder mystery dinners! We're growing every year and strive to make the CSO experience as rewarding and fun as possible!