Oxford University Philharmonia

Manager: Vita Rottenberg

Do you audition?

Yes, as part of OUMS - find out more here

What is the usual rehearsal schedule?

Each Wednesday from 6.45-10pm, and 1-2 Saturdays 10.45am - 2pm

What's the conductor like?

OUPhil is led by a student conductor (elected by auditions in Hilary each year). The new conductor for Michaelmas 2025 is Joe Sollis.

When do you perform?

Usually around 7th Week in the Sheldonian Theatre - this term our concert is the 26th of November!

Where can I buy tickets for the next concert?

Keep an eye out on our socials!

The Oxford University Philharmonia was founded in 1992 and ever since it has been both run and conducted entirely by students. We have a OUPhil has a highly sociable and friendly atmosphere, and are committed to highlighting some of the greatest musicians at our university.

Each Hilary term, OUPhil includes a solo concerto in the programme. Auditions for the soloist take place in Michaelmas and past performances have been of an extremely high standard. A new conductor and leader take office in Trinity term.

We regularly perform large-scale symphonic works, with concerts in the past two years featuring Holst’s The Planets, Bernstein’s West Side Story, Stravinsky’s Firebird, Elgar’s Cello Concerto, and Price’s The Oak. This term we are really excited to bring Shostakovich's 5th Symphony to the Sheldonian Theatre!

Conductor

Auditions for the conductorship of OUPhil take place each Hilary Term, with the new conductor taking over in Trinity Term

Joe Sollis

Conductor

Joe Sollis is a conductor, pianist, and French horn player in his third year studying music at Christ Church, University of Oxford. He began conducting in his 6th form at the age of 16 and, since arriving in Oxford, he held several instrumental conducting positions before being elected to conduct Oxford University Philharmonic Orchestra. Among those, between 2024 and 2025 Joe was the assistant conductor of the Oxford University Wind Orchestra, helping them to achieve the highest possible rank at the regional final of the National Concert Band Festival. He was also assistant conductor of the Oxford University Brass Band, contributing to their best ever finish at the Unibrass competition. Beyond conducting, Joe holds the William Ewald Instrumental Exhibition for his work as both a solo and collaborative pianist, having achieved his diploma in piano performance in 2023. He is also an accomplished horn player and has performed in a number of ensembles throughout his time at Oxford.