A Princeton Tradition Since 1896
The Princeton University Orchestra (“PUO”) is the flagship symphony orchestra of Princeton University and is one of the most prestigious and highly-acclaimed collegiate orchestras in the country. At over one hundred and twenty undergraduate-musicians strong, the orchestra performs eight annual performances in Alexander Hall and tours internationally every other year. The orchestra performs a diverse range of repertoire that spans from the Classical period up through freshly-composed works from within the Princeton University community. Since 1977, Maestro Michael Pratt has served as its Music Director.
The orchestra averages three full rehearsals a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 4:30-6:30), with occasional sectional rehearsals outside the regular schedule, usually on Saturday mornings. During concert weeks (4 weeks out of the year), an additional rehearsal is added. Each concert is performed twice, and there are no rehearsals the week after concerts.
The Princeton University Orchestra‘s annual concerto competition, held in December/January, offers all currently-enrolled Princeton University students a chance to perform as a soloist with the ensemble—an internationally-recognized orchestra of over 100 undergraduate and graduate student musicians, conducted by Maestro Michael Pratt. Students do not have to be members of the Orchestra to participate in the competition.
