About
History
The Edinburgh University String Orchestra was founded in October 1991 by Emre Araci, a second year music student at the time. The debut concert was conducted by Emre on 1st February 1992 in the Reid Concert Hall. A review in the Student newspaper described the orchestra’s performance as “truly polished” and remarked on the orchestra’s “huge potential”. Without a doubt, the orchestra has lived up to this prediction and continues to give high quality concerts in the University.
Diversity
The orchestra rehearses weekly during term time and has worked with talented conductors including Jim Lowe, Matthew Owens, Hugh Thomas, Robert Dick, Andrew Griffiths, William Conway, Richard Lewis, Michael Bawtree, Chris George and Iain McLarty. Membership has always been open to all students of the University and as a result, nearly all faculties are represented.
Tour
Every year, EUSO takes the opportunity to play around Scotland on tour. In 2022, we enjoyed a four-day trip to the Isle of Skye, playing in and near Portree to enthusiastic audiences. Find out more here.
Emre Araci Competition
An annual competition to support and promote new music was proposed in 1998 and so the Emre Araci Composition Competition was born. This gives students the chance to hear their compositions for string orchestra; the winning entry is performed by the orchestra on tour.
Our Executives
A remarkable orchestra cannot exist without remarkable people who put their hearts into keeping EUSO running.
