Orquestra Sinfônica da USP

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

OSUSP

Years Active

1975

Genres

classical music, symphonic music, chamber music

Instruments

violins, violas, violoncellos, double basses, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, trombones, percussion, timpani

Biography

The Symphony Orchestra of the University of São Paulo (OSUSP) is a Brazilian musical ensemble founded in 1975, based in the city of São Paulo. Its creation is part of the context of the University of São Paulo (USP) as a body of the Dean's Office for Culture and University Outreach. OSUSP's objectives are the dissemination of symphonic and chamber music, innovation in artistic and educational proposals, the stimulation of audience development, and the promotion of interaction between academic knowledge and society. The orchestra has undertaken national and international tours, recorded eight albums, organized composition competitions, and participated in opera productions, performing with renowned conductors and soloists.

The precursor to OSUSP was the University Concert Orchestra, created in 1945 and directed by León Kaniefsky, which ceased its activities in 1967. After a revival period between 1970 and 1971, the USP Symphony Orchestra was officially founded in 1975, with the renowned composer Camargo Guarnieri as its first conductor. Guarnieri, one of the leading names in Brazilian musical nationalism, sought to incorporate elements of national folklore into his classical compositions, a legacy that OSUSP preserves.

Currently, OSUSP is composed of 39 tenured professional musicians, while undergraduate music students make up the USP Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra's artistic director and principal conductor is Tobias Volkmann. OSUSP has stood out for its cultural and educational work, promoting educational concerts, performances across various USP campuses, and projects aimed at audience development, such as "Naipe da Hora" and "Memórias Sonoras". In 2025, the orchestra celebrated 50 years of activity, consolidating its position as one of the most active university ensembles in the country.

Discography

• Seresta, Choro e Homenagem a Fructuoso Vianna (2015)