The musical ensemble, directed by Raquel Carrera, has grown from 35 performers last year to 64 currently, having started with just 18 members in October 2025. Carrera expresses her excitement about this "enormous leap" and highlights that most members are returning, indicating that "people are happy in the orchestra and the project is working well".
This year, currently enrolled students are the most represented group, whereas last year they shared prominence with alumni. There has also been an increase in participation from teaching and research staff (PDI), although the lack of representation from administrative and technical staff (PTGAS) is noted. The Vigo campus contributes the majority of members, partly due to the weekly rehearsals held at the Redeiras building; a future challenge is to make the orchestra more accessible across all three campuses.
Despite the increase in members, the diversity of instruments has not grown significantly, with notable growth in the violin section and wind instruments like clarinets and flutes. The orchestra is still seeking players for the double bass and bassoon, and encourages interested individuals to get in touch via the UVigo website.
After resuming rehearsals, the UVigo Orchestra plans to offer concerts more regularly throughout the year, with a first performance anticipated between late December and February. They are also working on other projects and parallel activities, in addition to a year-end concert. Alfonso Caride, Senior Technician of Cultural Activities at UVigo, is considered "a fundamental piece" in the orchestra's functioning.
Furthermore, they are developing an "especially interesting musical project" planned for April or May. Raquel Carrera expresses the desire to "continue growing" and for the year to be "filled with music and new experiences".
