The Society

The Edinburgh University Music Society is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s leading student music organisations, not only for its standard of performance but also its involvement within the wider community through education projects and fundraising concerts.

The music society of the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1867 by Sir Herbert Oakeley. Following the ancient University’s long musical tradition, which began formally in 1839 when the origins of today’s music department were founded as a result of a bequest from General John Reid, the Music Society tied together many casual musical groups that had existed previously.

Throughout the twentieth century the Society took part in larger and more extravagant performances, and this tradition has certainly not waned. The 25th of November 2017 saw all three of the Society’s ensembles perform at the prestigious Usher Hall to celebrate 150 years of EUMS.