SINFONIA

FOR THE JOY OF COMMUNAL MUSIC

Sinfonia is Princeton’s orchestra:
a medley of students, faculty, and staff united by a common love of ensemble music. 

For some members, Sinfonia is an opportunity to play new, exciting, nontraditional orchestral music.

For busy students, it is a relaxed musical outlet.

For all players, Sinfonia makes space for musicians to improve on their own terms, surrounded by a friendly, supportive community.

Expanding every year, Sinfonia currently averages 80 members and performs two concerts each semester in Richardson Auditorium. Additional, more informal performances are arranged in many of Princeton’s unique spaces, including the Rockefeller College Common Room and the Forum at the Lewis Arts Complex.

Sinfonia is purposefully designed to complement the Princeton community. Conductor Ruth Ochs is thoughtful and deliberate in selecting fruitful, diverse compositions that are assembled with a manageable time commitment.

Above all, Sinfonia pursues the highest level of musicianship while emphasizing the joy of performing wonderful music with others.

More About Our Conductor, Ruth Ochs
Two students playing cellos smile as they look at their music stand
A student playing violin seems to be holding in a laugh as she plays
A line of student play flutes

JOINING SINFONIA

The pathways to join Sinfonia are multiple.

At the start of each academic year, Sinfonia and the Princeton University Orchestra hold joint auditions during the first week of classes. The auditions are short and held in Effron Music Building. The link to sign for this audition is on the PUO website.

Students interested in directly joining Sinfonia do not need to prepare the posted orchestral excerpt; they only need to share a sample of a prepared piece during the audition.

Once the semester has begun, any students who missed the auditions may reach out to Dr. Ochs and share a short musical biography.

We welcome new musicians at any point during the academic year.

Contact Sinfonia

2025-26 EVENTS

Thursday, October 30, 2025
7:30pm
Richardson Auditorium

Halloween with Sinfonia

Fall Finale

Sunday, December 7, 2025
3:00pm
Richardson Auditorium

A Night at the Opera

Friday, February 20, 2026
7:30pm
Richardson Auditorium

Spring Finale

Friday, May 1, 2026
7:30pm
Richardson Auditorium

View Past Performances

STAY IN TOUCH!

To receive emails about upcoming concerts and events, subscribe to our newsletter:

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For questions about joining Sinfonia or ways to support the orchestra, contact Ruth Ochs:

Contact Ruth