Starlit Serenade

On an April evening under a clear sky, more than 1,000 Knights gathered at the Reflecting Pond for the annual Symphony Under the Stars. The night unfolded with musical enchantment as UCF’s Symphony Orchestra performed pieces inspired by our planet and its celestial surroundings, including Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2.

Conducted by Director of Orchestral Activities Robert Hasty and graduate student Lina Jeong, Knight musicians also performed John Williams’ main title from Star Wars and Roger Zare’s NEOWISE, a piece inspired by a comet that became visible to the naked eye in 2020.

“This event shows how orchestral music can inspire community and bring beautiful music to all audiences in a natural environment.” —  Robert Hasty, director of orchestral activities

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Hours of practice went into preparation for the event

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Knights performed, including musicians on brass, percussion, string and woodwind instruments

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Years UCF has held Symphony Under the Stars, making it one of the university’s most time-honored traditions

Robert Hasty, director of orchestral activities, conducts UCF’s Symphony Orchestra.

A flute player performs during the event.

Graduate student Lina Jeong conducts UCF’s Symphony Orchestra.

A student smiles between performances.