University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra

Conducted by Director of Orchestras Scott Weiss, the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra is the premier orchestra in the School of Music and one of the leading ensembles in the Southeast. Comprised of more than 80 student musicians, the orchestra’s repertoire spans five centuries of music, including everything from the standard symphonic literature to cutting edge contemporary works. The full orchestra performs six concerts yearly in the Koger Center for the Arts, and a smaller ensemble performs in the pit for Opera at USC.

For more information about orchestra auditions, contact Scott Weiss at sweiss@mozart.sc.edu, 803-777-6251

2026-27 Season

Celebrate the remarkable tenure of Scott Weiss during his 10th and final season as Music Director and Conductor of the USC Symphony Orchestra as he concludes his distinguished career with the University of South Carolina.

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Symphonie Fantastique

with Albert Cano Smit, piano

Ravel - Concerto for the Left Hand
Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Lincoln Portrait

featuring Cliff Leaman, saxophone
Allen Guelzo, narrator

Ives - The Unanswered Question
William Grant Still - Festive Overture
Gould - Amber Waves from “American Ballads”
Eric Ewazen - Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra
Copland - Lincoln Portrait

Thursday, December 3, 2026

Bernstein’s Jeremiah Symphony

with Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano

Dora Pejačević - Symphony in F-sharp Minor
Bernstein - Symphony No. 1 “Jeremiah”

Tuesday, February 9, 2027

Beethoven’s Triple Concerto

Marking the 200th Anniversary of Beethoven’s Death

featuring The Congaree Trio: Ari Streisfeld, violin; Claire Bryant, cello; and Phillip Bush, piano

Beethoven - Triple Concerto
Nielsen - Symphony No. 4 “The Inextinguishable”

Tuesday, March 2, 2027

Rising Stars

featuring the winners of the 2026-27 Concerto-Aria Competition

Thursday, April 22, 2027

Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony

USC Symphony Orchestra
USC Concert Choir
University Chorus
Tina Milhorn Stallard, soprano
Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano

Mahler - Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection”

Concert tickets

Purchase online at kogercenterforthearts.com.

General public - $30
Seniors / military / USC faculty and staff - $25
Children under 18 and non-USC students with ID - $8

USC Students - free with student ID - must be picked up from the Koger Box Office (corner of Park and Greene) before 5:00 p.m. on the day of the performance or in the Koger Center lobby immediately before the performance.

TIP: Save internet fees by buying in person at the Koger Box Office, corner of Greene and Park Streets (M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Thank you to these 2025-26 Season Sponsors:

Bill and Peggy Maltarich

Cool Care

Schmoyer and Company

Support the USC Symphony Orchestra

When you give to the USC Symphony Orchestra, you directly impact our students by providing scholarships, music, masterclasses and guest artists. Make your donation today!

Sponsor a Concert, Orchestral Work or Guest Artist

Patrons and businesses can support the USC Symphony Orchestra by sponsoring a 2025-26 concert, an orchestral work or a guest artist. Benefits include recognition from the stage, in the printed program and on the School of Music website. See opportunities and benefits below.

Individual Performance Sponsorship Opportunities

Benefits:

Name of business and logo or individual name printed in program as Concert Presenting Sponsor
Name of business and logo or individual name on website as Concert Presenting Sponsor
12 tickets to the sponsored concert
Exclusive access to listen to the dress rehearsal the night before the performance

Large-scale Symphonic Work $3,000
Concerto $1,500
Overture $500

Benefits:

Name of business and logo or individual name printed in program as Orchestral Work Sponsor
Name of business and logo or individual name on website as Orchestral Work Sponsor
Up to 8 tickets (depending on sponsorship level) to the concert that features the work you or your business sponsors
Exclusive access to listen to dress rehearsal the night before the performance

Benefits

Name of business and logo or individual name printed in program as Guest Artist Sponsor
Name of business and logo or individual name on website as Guest Artist Sponsor
10 tickets to the Guest Artist concert
Exclusive access to listen to dress rehearsal the night before the performance

Season Sponsorship Opportunities

Benefits

Business name and logo or individual name featured prominently in printed and digital programs and on USC Symphony Orchestra website for the entire season
Unlimited USC Symphony Orchestra concert tickets available for individual or business employees and family members throughout the season
Business name and logo or individual name placed on Koger Center lobby signage
Opportunity for individual and three friends or family members or up to four employees to come to one rehearsal and “sit in” with any orchestra section and listen as an honorary second chair member

Benefits

Business name and logo or individual name in printed program and on USC Symphony Orchestra website for the entire season
10 tickets to the concert(s) of your choice available to individual or employees and family members
Business name and logo or individual name placed on Koger Center lobby signage

Benefits

Business name and logo or individual name in program and on USC Symphony Orchestra website for the entire season
Four tickets to the concert(s) of your choice available to individual or employees and family members
Business name and logo or individual name placed on Koger Center lobby signage

For more information, contact Brad Martin via email or 803-777-0704.

Contact Us

Phone: 803-251-2222
Email: uscorchestra@mozart.sc.edu

Scott Weiss, conductor

View the Calendar

School of Music