The University of Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra (UCPO) is a British amateur orchestra and a student-run orchestra in Cambridge, England, United Kingdom.
UCPO is a non-audition orchestra. Membership is aimed primarily at members of the University of Cambridge, although the orchestra usually counts among its members a significant number of other residents of Cambridge.[1] Only conductors and soloists are auditioned.
The orchestra usually performs five concerts in each year. Three of these feature the full orchestra.[2] A further two are performed by a smaller group officially known as the 'University of Cambridge Philharmonia', informally known as 'Baby'.[3]
2015/16 repertoire included selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite danced by representatives of Cambridge University Ballet Club (as part of UCPO's inaugural 'Gala Concert'), Strauss' Fledermaus Overture, Elgar's 'Cello Concerto in E minor, Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 and Dvorak's Violin Concerto.[4] Previous repertoire is just as varied, and has included Brahms, Sibelius, Bizet, Shostakovich and Haydn.