The University Symphony Orchestra of Bergen

The University Symphony Orchestra of Bergen (USO Bergen) is a full symphony orchestra made up of students and staff from universities and university colleges in Bergen, as well as other talented amateur musicians from the region. The orchestra rehearses every Wednesday from 18:30 to 21:30 in the rehearsal hall at the Grieg Academy. We usually present three concerts each year: a Winter Concert in February, a Spring Concert in May/June, and an Autumn Concert in November.

USO was established in 1985 through the merger of the Student Orchestra (founded in 1966) and the Bergen Opera Orchestra. Today, the orchestra comprises around 50 musicians of almost all ages. We frequently perform concerto repertoire with young musicians at the beginning of their careers, as well as with performers from Bergen’s professional music scene. We benefit greatly from our close relationship with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, whose musicians often join us for concerts or serve as tutors during orchestra seminars.

USO's repertoire consists primarily of classical orchestral works, but we also perform contemporary music on a regular basis and have premiered several works written specifically for the orchestra. The orchestra engages a variety of conductors, and concert programmes are decided jointly by the conductor and a programme committee made up of members of the orchestra.

Interested in playing with USO?

If you would like to join USO, you are welcome to attend a Wednesday rehearsal, with or without your instrument, or contact the Chair by email. USO does not hold auditions and can almost always accommodate additional string players. Wind and brass players should expect a trial period of a few weeks, and places in these sections may vary depending on the repertoire being rehearsed.

Members pay a subscription fee each semester. In 2026, the fee is NOK 850 for employed members and NOK 400 for students, unemployed members, and those receiving disability benefits.

USO is also available for bookings.