Our Ensembles

SU Orchestra plays a wide range of music from the late classical period onwards, usually including some film music and one or two lesser-known gems. The orchestra gives an annual concert in the Great Hall, and also performs in the Musicians’ Society’s Summer and Winter concerts. Strings are not auditioned, and new players are always welcome. Wind and brass players join by audition at the beginning of the academic year.

The SU Big Band goes from strength to strength, playing classic swing, modern jazz, funk, and many other genres, at concerts and events throughout the year. Recent highlights have included the annual Musicians’ Society Dinner Dance and workshops with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

SU Wind Orchestra is a large, ambitious, non-auditioned band, with an impressive recent history. Highlights have included prize-winning performances at the National Concert Band Festival, and collaborations with Choral Society in the Great Hall. Repertoire focusses on good quality original wind music, alongside some crowd-pleasing film and show music.

Our symphonic brass ensemble plays a wide variety of music – from Gabrielli and Bruckner to the best of contemporary brass music.

As well as the main ensembles, we have a variety of smaller groups - including a sax group, flute choir and folk group.