Longwood Symphony invites medically-related nonprofit organizations to apply to join the family of beneficiaries of the Healing Art of Music Program

In 1991, the LSO made a significant decision to make every concert a benefit for Boston’s medically underserved. For the LSO, collaboration with other nonprofit organizations is central to its mission. Each collaboration allows the Beneficiary to raise funds, using the concert as the centerpiece of a fundraising event specifically designed by that organization. At the same time, it expands the orchestra’s reputation and audience base in the community by introducing new audience members (the Beneficiary’s guests) to its concerts.

This decision followed the historic 1991 "Reverence for Life" symposium sponsored by the Albert Schweitzer Foundation that launched Boston’s Schweitzer Urban Fellows Program. The two-day event culminated in a performance in Jordan Hall featuring the Longwood Symphony and two musical humanists, violinist Lynn Chang and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer, noted physician, organist, and Bach scholar, founded a hospital in Gabon, Africa that he funded through concert performances. Inspired by Schweitzer and his work, in 1991, the LSO committed itself to perform all of its concerts as benefits for health-related charitable organizations. Since then each concert has served to benefit a different organization in greater Boston. "The Healing Art of Music" program was born.

Prior to each season, along with deciding repertoire, the LSO Board and Music Director approve the four beneficiary organizations for the upcoming season. Any nonprofit organization with a medical or educational mission based in greater Boston may be considered, and new collaborations frequently arise from suggestions by an orchestra member or Trustee.

For more information, or to apply to become a Beneficiary, send us an email at info@longwoodsymphony.org