The Rostock Student Philharmonic Orchestra was formed from the union of two ensembles – the school music orchestra of the Rostock University of Music and Drama and the university orchestra of the University of Rostock – bringing together the musical energy of both universities in a new, vibrant ensemble. The roots of the University Orchestra date back to 1929, when Erich Schenk founded the Collegium musicum vocale et instrumentale. In 1961, Hans-Jürgen Plog formed a university chamber orchestra from it, which was given the name Collegium musicum in 1968.

In April 2023, Robin Portune founded the school music orchestra at hmt Rostock. In October 2023, he also took over as conductor of the university orchestra, and the first joint projects in the winter semester of 2024/2025 led to a successful collaboration.

In the summer semester of 2025, the official merger into the Rostock Student Philharmonic Orchestra followed. Their first joint performance as the Student Philharmonic Orchestra took place on July 4, 2025, in the Katharinensaal of the hmt Rostock. This new ensemble not only creates a unique soundscape, but also stands as a visible sign of the close cooperation between the two universities. 

The Rostock Student Philharmonic Orchestra brings together music education students and other music enthusiasts from both institutions. The ensemble is developing into a lively and versatile orchestra that performs symphonic works from the Baroque to the modern era, including overtures, solo concertos, symphonic poems, and symphonies. Under the direction of Robin Portune, the Student Philharmonic Orchestra presents challenging concert programs and brings to life the creative diversity of Rostock's musical tradition.

Rehearsal times: Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Gustav-Adolf Hall on the 1st floor of St. Peter's Church, Alter Markt 1, 18055 Rostock

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