Longwood Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1982, the Longwood Symphony Orchestra began as the dream of a few medical students and physicians and has since grown into a symphony orchestra recognized for its musical dynamism, innovative programming, and unique model of community engagement.

Most of the Longwood Symphony’s 120 musicians are drawn from Boston’s illustrious medical community.  In addition to their dedication to music, the members of the Longwood Symphony share a genuine commitment to community service.  In 1991, the Longwood Symphony made the significant decision to use its performances to raise both funds and awareness for various medical causes through its Healing Art of Music Program. Since then, the Longwood Symphony has collaborated with 30 organizations, raising over $750,000 to aid Boston’s medically underserved. 

During the regular concert season, the Longwood Symphony performs four concerts in New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, regarded as one of the most acoustically perfect performance spaces in the world. The orchestra also performs an open-air concert every summer at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade.

Recognizing the uniqueness of the Longwood Symphony, Music Director Jonathan McPhee programs a musical repertoire that is equally distinctive. Nearly every concert features an intriguing musical gem from the 20^th century. Over the past ten years, the Longwood Symphony has performed three world premieres dedicated to the orchestra and at least one Boston premiere each season. 

Recognizing its dual mission of community service and musical performance, the Longwood Symphony received the 2007 American Symphony Orchestra League/MetLife Award for Excellence in Community Engagement. The Wall Street Journal, the Catalogue for Philanthropy, and SYMPHONY  Magazine have similarly praised the Longwood Symphony for its musical excellence and its commitment to community service.