"Joy follows sorrow, sunshine—rain." - Ludwig van Beethoven
The Finale to Beethoven's 5th Symphony exudes triumph in the face of adversity, and this performance is Longwood Symphony's way of celebrating the emergence from a strenuous and difficult year. The joy of live music is once again on the horizon.
With racial inequity at the forefront of our national conversation, this event is co-presented by Project STEP and Longwood Symphony to highlight the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on communities of color and to celebrate these organizations working on the frontline for social justice and healing. This virtual gathering will include performances featuring Project STEP and Longwood Symphony musicians, conversations with the artists, a presentation from healthcare leaders working for equity, and a Q&A with some of the artists.
Thursday, April 15 at 7:00pm
LSO musicians Dr. Psyche Loui, Dr. Lisa Wong, and Dr. Jennifer Zuk explore music as a resource for well-being from the perspectives of science, medicine, and community. Particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, music has been a source of comfort, bonding, and healing.
Enjoy some of the highlights from Longwood Symphony's first ever Virtual Gala on November 14, 2020 - including all of the fantastic musical performances.
In October 2020, we were proud to be able to continue supporting our Community Partners with a virtual event. International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility hosted an excellent evening of live music, engaging discussion with former Secretary of Defense William Perry, and updates on how they are fulfilling their important missions.
The event is available to watch via YouTube.
Longwood Symphony musicians have been sharing the joy and comfort of live music with hospitals and senior living facilities around Boston through the "LSO On Call" program. This summer, we've expanded into outdoor spaces at local hospitals to thank and celebrate the incredible healthcare providers who are working tirelessly to heal our community.
Enjoy a few short clips and photos from recent performances!
“Where do healers find comfort? For some U.S. doctors and caregivers, the answer is in music. Jeffrey Brown went to Newton, Massachusetts, recently to see how medical professionals are regenerating their spirits -- and becoming better providers in the process.”
On September 18, PBS NewsHour featured a segment about the medical musicians around the country who turn to music for comfort and healing. Some Longwood Symphony musicians have been participating in the National Virtual Medical Orchestra, which brings together musicians from the healthcare field across the country to make virtual performances.
The musicians of the orchestra have stepped up to Anthony McGill’s #TakeTwoKnees challenge in protest of racial injustice, intolerance, and hatred. While we are adding our voices in this small way now, we will join our orchestra colleagues to uproot and dismantle racism across the field.
The Longwood Symphony Orchestra’s 19/20 season has arrived – welcome! Over this season’s four concert cycles, the program mix includes music spanning 250 years, from Mozart to John Harbison. During our musical journey we will visit composers from Germany, Austria, Russia, The Orkney Islands, and, of course, the US.
Dear LSO Friends,
It’s late summer, and I am thinking about the new season soon to begin… rehearsal strategies and concerts in Jordan Hall, the excellent repertoire, and introducing you to four inspiring soloists. In my mind’s eye, I see musicians working hard, many fresh from rounds at the hospital, playing with a sense of commitment and passion while joyfully sharing our music.
Thanks to countless supporters, volunteers, and donors, our annual gala was a great succes. Held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Boston, the event featured something for everyone... delightful music, a luminescent honoree, and a rip-roaring live auction. When all was said and done, $115,000 was raised to continue the LSO's mission of healing through music, medicine, and service.
