The mission of the Symphony Orchestra is to present its members an opportunity to perform a wide variety of standard orchestral repertoire. The orchestra repertoire is planned as a four year program, exposing students to a wide variety of styles and composers. In the last two years, we have performed major works by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Beethoven, Ravel, Smetana, Wagner and others.

Unlike many university orchestras, concerts are prepared in a short period of time (one week of sectionals, two weeks of rehearsal) to simulate the pressure of preparation in a professional environment. The students are then given time off in order to be able to focus on other aspects of their program - practicing solo repertoire, chamber music, etc.

The orchestra thus performs five full masterworks concerts during the year, and is the pit orchestra for the annual production of the acclaimed NAU Opera Program.

Listen to samples of our concerts:

Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol, sample 1

Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with guest Steven Moeckel (concertmaster of the Tuscon Symphony),sample 2