Main
The Main Ensemble is a non-audition, full symphony orchestra that consists of over one hundred members who choose the semester’s repertoire, conductors, and leadership. CSO Main has a relaxed environment that’s perfect for people who want to keep up their passion for music without the stress of a high time commitment. Main is the original CSO ensemble and remains the heart of the orchestra. We accept all skill levels, so any company is welcome!
Repertoire
Voted on by the orchestra
Easier to moderate difficulty (approx. grade 3-4)
Fall 2019 Repertoire:
Mars from the Planets by Gustav Holst
The Prince of Egypt Suite by Hans Zimmer
Overture on Russian Themes by Rimsky-Korsakov
Die Schöne Galathee by Franz von Suppe
Rehearsal Time
Our Main ensemble rehearses most frequently on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 pm, with some exceptions
Membership Requirements
No audition required
Dues: $30 per semester / $50 per year (fall - spring)
Attendance: May miss no more than two rehearsals to be eligible to play in the concert.
Philharmonic
The Philharmonic Ensemble is an auditioned, full symphony orchestra of about thirty-five members and growing. It is meant for musicians who are up for the extra challenge that comes with playing more advanced repertoire. Note that all members of the Philharmonic must also be in the Main Ensemble.
Repertoire
Two pieces ( in addition to the Main repertoire)
Voted on by the orchestra
Moderate to advanced difficulty (approx. grade 5-6)
Fall 2019 Repertoire:
The Masquerade Suite Waltz by Aram Khachaturian
The Merry Wives of Windsor Overture by Carl Otto Nicolai
Rehearsal Time
Rehearses for one hour directly before (or sometimes after) Main Ensemble rehearsals
Membership Requirements
Must also pay dues and fill out the membership form.
Members of Phil may also participate in the Main ensemble if they wish.
Audition: Take an audition at the beginning of the semester. Includes a major and chromatic scale along with some excerpts and sight-reading. Visit our auditions page for more information and to signup for a time slot.
Chamber
Chamber Groups are small ensembles of 2-10 members that play music with a unique style or instrumentation. Members of a Chamber Group select their own repertoire, decide on a practice schedule, and have at a variety of unique performance opportunities. Chamber Groups are open to anyone, including players who are not members of the CSO Main Ensemble. We are always looking to form new groups!
Previous Groups
Jazz band - “The Bumpin Somethins”
Classical string quartet “All Strings Considered”
String quintets
Flute choir
Saxophone quartet
Trombone quartet - “The Bone Zone”
Past Performance Venues and Partnerships
CSO Spring 2019 Chamber Concert
The Brown Art and Music Festival
Swing Club at UVA
Weddings
BBQ & Jazz nights at the CSO house
Intermission of CSO Main & Phil concerts
And other prior performances
Interested?
Contact our Chamber Director, Helena (hy5ac@virginia.edu) with questions about joining a chamber ensemble.
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