2024-25 Season Auditions
Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the members of the LSO?

Longwood Symphony musicians are primarily healthcare professionals from Boston's hospitals and universities, including doctors, medical students, research scientists, nurses, therapists, and caregivers.  Playing in the LSO is an amazing opportunity for our members to meet other established professionals and trainees and build professional connections while getting to perform beautiful orchestral music in the historic New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall!

Do I have to be in medicine to join the LSO?

While the majority of our players are healthcare providers, researchers, and students, LSO membership is open to musicians of all professional backgrounds. Musically qualified members of the healthcare and research community may be given preference when competing with a non-medical musician of comparable musical abilities for a position.

When and where do rehearsals take place?

Rehearsals generally take place on Thursday evenings in the Longwood Medical area.  There are additional rehearsals during concert week.

What is the attendance policy for members?

Players commit to one concert cycle at a time.  We ask that absences be limited to 2 rehearsals per cycle.  All players are expected to attend all concert week rehearsals, including the dress rehearsal.

But I’m on call / clinic ran late / I had to re-run my experiment / I’ve been invited to present at an important conference.

We understand that things happen, especially in medicine!  We do have some flexibility when it comes to last-minute schedule changes, but we do ask our players to take their commitment to the concert cycle schedule seriously.  

What do I need for an audition?

Auditions consist of two contrasting selections (usually concerto/sonata/solo movement) that you feel best display your level of technical and musical skill. It is acceptable to substitute orchestral excerpts for one of your selections if you prefer. A typical audition will last approximately 8-10 minutes. In-person auditions are preferred, but virtual auditions will be given equal consideration.

But, really, how competitive are the auditions?

The LSO prides itself on its high level of playing, even though our primary professions are in non-music fields.  Many of our players pursued musical studies very seriously before pivoting to healthcare and research.  We are all amateur musicians, but we aim for a high level of performance of challenging pieces.  Recent repertoire has included Copland Symphony No. 3, Debussy La Mer, Sibelius Symphony No. 2, and Strauß Death and Transfiguration.

Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?

All players must be at least 18 years of age.

I have more questions about the orchestra.

Email us at auditions@longwoodsymphony.org and someone will be happy to get back to you!