Lexington Symphony

Lexington Symphony is a professional orchestra based in Lexington, Massachusetts. Founded in 1998, it has established itself as a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in the Greater Boston area, renowned for its artistic excellence and innovative programming. The ensemble performs its main concert series at the historic National Heritage Museum, now known as the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library. Under the sustained leadership of its music director, the orchestra is celebrated for delivering powerful interpretations of core symphonic repertoire alongside contemporary works.

History

The orchestra was established in 1998 by a group of community musicians and civic leaders seeking to create a professional symphonic ensemble for Lexington, Massachusetts and its surrounding communities. Its inaugural season featured performances at Cary Memorial Hall before establishing its primary residence at the National Heritage Museum. A significant early milestone was the appointment of Jonathan McPhee as its first and only music director, a partnership that has defined the ensemble's artistic growth for over two decades. The orchestra's history is marked by a commitment to artistic ambition, expanding its season and gradually increasing the number of professional musicians drawn from the rich pool of talent in the New England region. It has collaborated with notable soloists such as pianist Maxim Lando and violinist Stefan Jackiw, and has performed commemorative concerts for events like the centennial of World War I.

Music directors

Since its founding, the orchestra has had one music director: Jonathan McPhee. Appointed at the ensemble's inception, McPhee's tenure is characterized by remarkable longevity and consistency, allowing for deep artistic development. A versatile conductor, McPhee also serves as the music director for the Boston Ballet and the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, bringing a wealth of experience from both the symphonic and theatrical worlds. His leadership philosophy emphasizes clarity, energy, and a collaborative spirit, fostering a distinctive and cohesive ensemble sound. Under his direction, the orchestra has tackled demanding works from composers like Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky, and Dmitri Shostakovich, earning critical acclaim for its performances.

Repertoire and performances

The orchestra's repertoire centers on the great masterworks of the Romantic and early 20th-century periods, regularly featuring symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It also actively programs contemporary American music, having performed works by John Adams, Jennifer Higdon, and Michael Gandolfi. A hallmark of its programming is the innovative "One Composer" concerts, which explore the depth of a single creator's output, such as an all-Richard Strauss program. The ensemble presents a multi-concert subscription series each season and has become a fixture at local events, including the town's Patriots' Day celebrations. Notable performance venues have included Sanders Theatre at Harvard University and Lexington High School.

Community engagement and education

The orchestra maintains a robust commitment to serving its community through extensive educational and outreach initiatives. Its flagship education program brings small ensembles into Lexington Public Schools for interactive performances and masterclasses, directly engaging thousands of students annually. The "Family Concert" series, designed to make orchestral music accessible to young audiences, often features narrated works like Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf". The organization also offers open rehearsals, pre-concert lectures, and discounted ticket programs for students and seniors. Partnerships with local institutions like the Lexington Historical Society and the Cary Memorial Library help broaden its community impact, weaving the orchestra into the civic fabric of Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

Organization and leadership

The orchestra operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer Board of directors. Day-to-day operations are managed by a small professional staff, including an executive director who oversees administration, marketing, and development. Artistic operations, including musician contracting and library services, are managed in close collaboration with the music director. The ensemble is supported through a combination of ticket sales, individual donations, corporate sponsorships from area businesses, and grants from cultural councils such as the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Lexington Council for the Arts. This financial model allows the orchestra to maintain its professional musician roster and fulfill its educational mission while presenting a full season of concerts.

Category:Musical groups from Massachusetts Category:American orchestras Category:Musical groups established in 1998 Category:Culture of Lexington, Massachusetts