University of Gothenburg
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Horn section behind music stands.
Horn section
Photo: Natalie Greppi
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More about Symphonic Orchestra Performance

The next applications period for the Master of Fine Arts in Music with Specialisation in Symphonic Orchestra Performance is from 1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027. Studies start in the autumn of 2027.

Grow as a musician in the orchestra

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Portrait of Simon Crawford-Phillips with baton
Simon Crawford-Phillips
Photo: Matthew Johnson

"The world of orchestral music is changing faster than ever before, and therefore the skills required by orchestral musicians are changing too. Developing an acute musical (and social) radar lies at the heart of this unique program. My career as a pianist, chamber musician, professor, and conductor has allowed me to experience an unusual range of musicianship, and I aim to encourage that holistic approach in all our students.

The program offers instrumental tuition, extensive chamber music coaching, and performance opportunities, as well as discussions on group dynamics. It aims to nurture a musical initiative, curiosity, and openness. Professional guidance from experienced conductors and musicians, alongside motivated students, creates a collegial learning environment. Our teachers are outstanding both as educators and musicians, and we regularly welcome international guest conductors.

We believe in highlighting each other’s strengths and creating a safe and inspiring climate where the student’s development is the focus – not only as an individual musician but also as part of a larger musical context. The Master’s Program in Symphonic Orchestra Performance provides you with the skills and experience needed to succeed in auditions and during an eventual trial period in any professional orchestra around the world."

Simon Crawford-Phillips
Artistic Director

Navigate to video: Symphonic Orchestra Performance
Video (2:44)
Symphonic Orchestra Performance

Teachers and staff

Meet the teaching staff and colleagues from the Master of Fine Arts in Music with specialisation in Symphonic Orchestra Performance. Learn more through presentations by the program’s teaching staff about their artistic and pedagogical practice.

Martin Fröst

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Portrait of Martin Fröst smiling with clarinet
Martin Fröst
Photo: Gunnar Jönsson

Internationally acclaimed clarinettist and conductor Martin Fröst works with students through the Artist in Residence Program, funded by the Sten A Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture.

Read more about the Artist in Residence Program

Tobias Granmo

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Portrait of Tobias Granmo with violin
Tobias Granmo
Photo: Johan Wingborg

Interview with Tobias Granmo, professor in musical performance.

With the violin tuned for togetherness

Daniel Berg

Navigate to video: Daniel Berg, professor in musical performance
Video (1:23)
Daniel Berg, professor in musical performance

Insights from the program

Navigate to video: Mock Auditions: Meet Olmo Álvarez Ruiz
Video (3:39)
Mock Auditions: Meet Olmo Álvarez Ruiz
Navigate to video: The Nicolas Lupot Violin
Video (3:28)
The Nicolas Lupot Violin

Swedish National Orchestra Academy

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Swedish National Orchestra Academy at Gothenburg Concert Hall.
Swedish National Orchestra Academy at Gothenburg Concert Hall.
Photo: Natalie Greppi

The core of the orchestra consists of students enrolled in the master's program in symphonic orchestra performance. The orchestra projects are carried out in collaboration with students from the bachelor's program in classical music. Occasionally, students from other music academies are invited to participate in and complement the orchestra.

Each academic year, the orchestra presents around eight orchestral productions. Internationally renowned conductors and soloists are engaged for these performances. Recent visitors to the orchestra include Simon Crawford-Phillips, Jurjen Hempel, Martin Fröst and Vince Mendoza. Martin Fröst and Vince Mendoza are also part of the Artist in Residence Program, financed by Stenastiftelsen. The Swedish National Orchestra Academy also collaborates with the opera programs and their stage productions.