Overview
The University of Rochester Chamber Orchestra (URCO) presents four concerts each year in the Henry Alvah Strong Auditorium on the River Campus. Led by music director Mark Powell, the ensemble also performs in satellite locations throughout the Rochester community and tours nationally and internationally.
Past international tours have taken the orchestra to Jamaica, concertizing and working with the Jamaica Orchestra for Youth and the Alpha Boys Band as well as presenting a gala performance in Kingston's Ward Theatre. URCO has also toured in the British Virgin Islands and served as Georgetown as the core orchestra and teaching mentors for the first International Festival for Music Education, broadcast via Cayman Television. Performances in Italy and Canada with return engagements to the British Virgin Islands, as well as concerts in Cleveland and Buffalo. Further international performance and music education collaborations have most recently taken the ensemble to Santiago, Chile.
Performing music from the Baroque to the contemporary, the Chamber Orchestra showcases the versatility of the University's students. Membership is open to qualified University of Rochester students.
Rehearsals are Mondays from 4:50 to 6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4:50-7:00 p.m. in Strong Auditorium.
Click the logo above to view the orchestra's website.
Auditioning for Orchestras - Now Closed
Auditions for the 2024-25 school year (new members as well as for concertmaster and principals) will take place in-person Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. Please note, percussion auditions will only be on Tuesday, August 27 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Each audition is 10 minutes long. Please select a ten-minute slot online (percussionists, please choose from a time on Tuesday, August 27 between 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm only).
For for new members, you’ll be asked to perform two (2) pieces of repertoire of your choice, showing a contrast in both musical style and technical ability. There will also be a small sightreading excerpt.
For concertmaster or section principal auditions (whether you are a new or returning player), please download the relevant audition packet found here.
