As part of the Florida State University College of Music’s 125th anniversary season, the University Philharmonia will celebrate a milestone of its own: 25 years since its first performance. The ensemble will mark the occasion with a concert on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in Opperman Music Hall, recreating the inaugural program performed in 2000.
The evening’s program features Johannes Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, and Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien—the same works that introduced the Philharmonia to audiences a quarter century ago.
“The University Philharmonia celebrates completing 25 years since its first concert on October 5, 2000,” said Alexander Jiménez, Music Director and Conductor. “To commemorate this, I have programmed the exact same repertoire from the first concert: Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien. This is exciting music!”
Honoring the Beginning
The creation of the Philharmonia in 2000 was a pivotal moment for the College of Music. At that time, the University Symphony Orchestra (USO) had grown too large for its performance spaces, due in part to a surge of talented string players. Establishing a second orchestra not only eased the logistical strain but also provided essential training opportunities for younger musicians.
“The Philharmonia’s formation in 2000 represented a major milestone by creating two full orchestras in the then School of Music,” Jiménez explained. “This was possible because recruiting of string players had reached new levels in terms of numbers and excellence, making it impossible to have only one orchestra. Time has told us that this move also significantly improved the quality of the USO by providing a more appropriate orchestral training opportunity for freshmen and sophomore string players.”
Building on Tradition
Since its debut, the Philharmonia has performed to enthusiastic audiences, premiered new works, collaborated with choirs and soloists, and toured across Florida and beyond. The ensemble has also served as an important training ground for young conductors and composers, while launching generations of FSU students into careers in music and beyond.
“It seems hard to believe it’s been over 25 years,” Jiménez reflected. “Annually I see scores of graduates throughout the United States and abroad who played in the Philharmonia and for whom Philharmonia was their first significant orchestral experience. We have an absolutely wonderful group of students in this year’s UPO who continue a marvelous tradition.”
A Dual Celebration
The October 2 concert highlights not only the Philharmonia’s 25th anniversary, but also the College of Music’s 125-year legacy of innovation and artistry. It promises to be an evening that honors tradition while celebrating the students who carry it forward today.
Concert Information
University Philharmonia – Celebrating 25 Years
Alexander Jiménez, Music Director and Conductor
Guilherme Leal Rodrigues, Graduate Associate Conductor
Thursday, October 2, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Opperman Music Hall
Program
- Johannes Brahms – Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80
- Franz Schubert – Symphony No. 5 in B-flat, D. 485
- Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
