About the MIT Symphony Orchestra
The origins of MIT Symphony Orchestra (MITSO) date back as far as 1884 when the first MIT Tech Orchestra appeared on campus along with the Banjo and Glee Clubs. The orchestra disbanded and re-appeared several times over the years that followed until 1947, when Klaus Liepmann (1907-1990), MIT’s first full-time professor of music and founder of the music program, became director of the MIT Glee Club, the Symphony and the Choral Society. Other conductors of MITSO have included David Epstein, John Harbison, Dante Anzolini, Paul Biss, and since 2007, Adam Boyles.
The central mission of the MIT Symphony Orchestra is the cultural enhancement of education at MIT by promoting music performance at the highest level of artistic excellence among MIT students, by nurturing new works and young artists, by developing and sustaining the widest possible audience.
The orchestra’s repertoire consists of works from the entire symphonic canon, spanning works of the early Baroque era to contemporary compositions, and including music for film and theatre. Compositions by MIT faculty and students are also part of MITSO’s repertoire.
MITSO is also a collaborator with other ensembles on campus such as the MIT Concert Choir, Theatre Arts at MIT, Jazz AMP, Gamelan Galak Tika, and Rambax.
The students in MITSO represent a wide variety of majors and interests, and the majority of its student musicians take it as an elective course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tuesday/Thursday 7:30-10pm
Kresge Auditorium (Building W16)
See our Auditions page for more information.
While the MIT Music & Theater Arts Events Office has a small inventory of instruments available for loan to students who participate in MTA performance ensembles, it is highly recommended that you bring your own instrument to MIT. Our instrument collection includes mostly woodwind and brass instruments and double basses, along with a collection of brass instrument mutes. Our ensembles have access to an array of large and small percussion instruments, including timpani and a variety of mallet instruments. We do not own violins, cellos, or a harp.
To request an instrument loan for use in an MTA performance ensemble, please fill out this form. A member of the Events Office staff will contact you to let you know if an instrument is available or not.
A limited number of Instrument lockers are available to students participating in MTA performance ensembles. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a locker, please fill out this form. If a locker is available for your instrument, you will receive an email confirmation with your assignment.
There are 8 practice rooms located in Building 4 (4-260), each of which is equipped with a piano. Students in MTA classes or ensembles are granted unrestricted (24/7) access.
Students auditioning for MTA performance ensembles are granted access from 7 AM to 11 PM through the end of the audition period each semester.
Percussionists are given access to the Kresge Percussion Studio (W16-002) for individual practice outside of rehearsal time.
Fall 2026
Friday, October 16th at 8pm in Kresge Auditorium
Friday, November 20th at 8pm in Kresge Auditorium (with MIT Concert Choir)
Spring 2027
Friday, March 12th at 8pm in Kresge Auditorium
Friday, April 30th at 8pm in Kresge Auditorium
The MIT Symphony Orchestra holds an annual Concerto Competition at the beginning of each spring semester. The winner is featured on a MITSO concert in Kresge Auditorium. This year’s competition will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027 between 11am – 3pm in Tull Hall (Linde Music Building).
Competition Information:
– To be eligible to perform in the Concerto Competition, participants must be a current MIT or Wellesley student (undergrad, grad, post-doc).
– Soloists who have already won/co-won the competition, or have otherwise performed a solo work with the MIT Symphony, are not eligible.
– Works for more than one soloist are eligible as well provided all participants fit the eligibility criteria.
– Preference will be given to one-movement works (i.e. Ravel’s Tzigane, Liszt’s Totentanz, etc.). However, single movements out of larger concerti, or complete concerti are acceptable and will be considered.
– Preference will be given to students who previously have participated in one semester of a large, conducted ensemble at MIT
– Concerti by Beethoven are ineligible this year.
– The work or selection to be performed in concert must be prepared from memory in its entirety for the audition.
– Accompanists are required, but not provided. If you need a recommendation for an accompanist, please contact Mi-Eun Kim (mieunkim@mit.edu).
– The decision by the jury is final.
The winner will perform their concerto with MITSO on one of its spring concerts. The winner must be available for all rehearsals and performances required by the Music Director. Orchestra rehearsals are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30pm-10:00pm.
Application Process:
Submit your concerto proposal to MITSO Music Director, Adam Boyles (akboyles@mit.edu) for approval as well in advance as possible – this will give you time to consider other choices in the unlikely event that your first choice cannot be accommodated.
After your concerto proposal has been approved, submit the online application form no later than 5pm on Friday, January 22nd, 2027.
You will receive an audition time via email approximately one week before the audition.
Questions? Contact Riley Vogel (vogel503@mit.edu).
Related Events
Related People
Adam Boyles
Lecturer in Music
Director, MIT Symphony Orchestra