QMUL Orchestra is based at the Mile End campus and rehearses weekly in the People's Palace. The orchestra comprises students and staff from QMUL and its medical school (Barts and The London) and is directed by the Head of Music Engagement. The orchestra plays music from the Classical (Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven), Romantic (Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Mussorgsky) and 20th Century repertoire (Sibelius, Shostakovich, Prokofiev).
The orchestra openly welcomes participants, but where sections would exceed the required forces, membership is by audition. Special opportunities are provided to enable the members of the orchestra to receive specialist instrumental section coaching and 'side-by-side performing' opportunities with professional musicians.