2024–2025: Classical Cornerstones
The Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra’s 2024–25 season includes pieces that are iconic cornerstones of the classical repertoire: Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Brahms’s German Requiem, and Handel’s Messiah. But we also we kick off the season with a celebration of frontier exploration in both music and science, including Holst’s Planets, two new compositions (an overture by James Gammon and a violin concerto by Paul Sanho Kim, featuring the composer as soloist), and music featured in Stanley Kubrick’s "2001: A Space Odyssey." We are excited to invite Dr. William McClain of the Columbus Symphony in Indiana and the Millikin-Decatur Symphony in Illinois as a guest conductor, and we look forward to collaborating twice this season with the ODU Concert Choir as well as the winner of our annual Young Artists Competition. If you were ever considering a season to take part or to check us out, this is the season to do it!
About the Orchestra
Founded in 1977, the Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra (ODUSO) performs works from the standard classical and contemporary repertoire for full orchestra. It is a fantastic opportunity to interact with other passionate student musicians who work together and challenge each other to make music of the highest quality possible.
ODUSO is open to all students, faculty, and staff at Old Dominion University by audition. Community members may also audition and are considered on an as-needed basis.
In addition to a diverse repertoire from all periods and styles, the ODUSO:
- features faculty soloists from ODU and beyond
- hosts a department-wide Young Artist Competition in the fall with the winners appearing in the spring
- collaborates with leading high school orchestras in the region
Several concerts are performed each season featuring both symphonic and string orchestra literature, often in conjunction with the Concert Choir and ODU Opera. The orchestra also occasionally serves as a laboratory orchestra for composition and conducting students.
The following links below provide additional information about the ODU Symphony Orchestra. Please contact Dr. Paul Sanho Kim if you are interested in joining!
ODU Side by Side with the Virginia Symphony
The Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra teamed up with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for the first time in 2018 with a side-by-side "Russian Perspectives" concert. Works included Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Overture, led by music director Paul Kim; Shchedrin's Carmen Suite, conducted by percussion instructor David Walker and featuring the ODU Percussion Ensemble; and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, led by VSO's Benjamin Rous.
Mahler Symphony No. 1, side by side with the Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra, 2017
