Music at the University of Milan

Founded in 2000, the Orchestra of the University of Milan has served for over 25 years as a distinguished platform for musical culture within the Italian university landscape. Its journey began under the artistic direction of Maestro Alessandro Crudele, which came to an end with the 2020–2021 concert season, and continued through the concert seasons coordinated by the Deployment of Intellectual Property and Innovation Division and the UniMi Foundation. The current governance structure involves the Office of the Director General, the Communication and Institutional Events Division, the Deployment of Intellectual Property and Innovation Division, and the University of Milan Cultural and Recreational Association (ARCUS).

The UniMi Orchestra comprises over 40 members with a solid grounding in both classical symphonic repertoire and contemporary music, as evidenced by its participation in music festivals and performances at international venues, including the MITO SettembreMusica Festival, the Tonhalle in Zurich, the Gewandhaus in Leipzig and the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza. Over the years, it has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as John Axelrod, Paul Badura-Skoda, Kolja Blacher, Mario Brunello, Enrico Dindo, Ingrid Fliter and Viviane Hagner.

In addition to organising the Summer Concert, the Concert for Peace and the Christmas Concert, the UniMi Orchestra works with the ARCUS association to arrange participation in national festivals for university orchestras organised by CRUI (Conference of Italian University Rectors) and ANCIU (National Association of Italian University Clubs). It also offers music courses for ARCUS members and schools.

Founded 25 years ago as part of academic cultural activities, the Choir of the University of Milan is a mixed four-voice choir, The Choir of the University of Milan was founded in 1990 as part of the University's cultural activities. It is a mixed-voice choir composed mainly of university staff and students, as well as choral music enthusiasts.

Over the years, it has been under the musical direction of Maestro Renzo Galimberti and has been conducted by Maestro Marco Berrini since September 2020. 

The choir, which initially focused on the traditional student song repertoire of German and Anglo-Saxon universities, now has a wide-ranging repertoire spanning from Gregorian chant to classical music, including Renaissance, Baroque, 19th and 20th-century polyphonic works, as well as sacred and secular pieces.

Within the ensemble, there is also a chamber group with a particular focus on the study of early and contemporary a cappella polyphony.

The choir collaborates with the UniMi Orchestra and with chamber ensembles in organising concerts and public performances.