Performances + Events
Orchestras
All students majoring in an orchestral instrument participate in NEC’s orchestra program of rehearsals, concerts, and reading sessions, mirroring the professional orchestra experience.
Students perform in five to six public concerts annually, covering a wide range of repertoire from Baroque to contemporary, orchestral to opera. Additionally, students benefit from sectionals led by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, string faculty, and top local musicians.
NEC Philharmonia
A showcase for musical excellence, the NEC Philharmonia, comprised of third- and fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students, performs nine concerts each year. In addition, the Philharmonia accompanies two opera productions, and Philharmonia musicians participate in New Music Ensemble concerts and Baroque Ensemble concerts annually. The ensemble thrives under the leadership of Hugh Wolff, the Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood Director of Orchestras, and David Loebel, the Associate Director of Orchestras, with Stefan Asbury, Head of the Orchestral Conducting Department, also appearing regularly. Recent guest conductors include Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano ’24 hon. DM, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Mei-Ann Chen ‘95, ‘98 MM, Ludovic Morlot, Xian Zhang, and Jeffrey Kahane.
NEC Symphony
The NEC Symphony Orchestra, comprised of first- and second-year undergraduate students, performs five concerts yearly. Under the expert batons of Associate Director of Orchestras David Loebel and Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood Director of Orchestras Hugh Wolff, this ensemble prepares students for the Philharmonia while presenting equally challenging repertoire.
NEC Chamber Orchestra
The NEC Chamber Orchestra, an elite group of seventeen string players, performs four concerts each year without a conductor. Guided by Artistic Director Donald Palma, a founding member of the renowned Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, this group masterfully navigates without conductor the challenge of repertoire from Bartók’s Divertimento and Schoeberg’s Verklarte Nacht to Haydn symphonies and Dvorák serenades.
NEC Lab Orchestra
This is a paid volunteer ensemble that meets once a week and is conducted by NEC’s graduate students in orchestral conducting under the supervision of Stefan Asbury, Head of the school’s Orchestral Conducting Department. The group reads through copious amounts of the core repertoire — invaluable experience for all students seeking jobs in professional orchestras. In addition, any student interested in conducting will get a fascinating insider’s look at the craft. Each semester culminates in a live concert.Â
Guest Conductors: Boston Symphony Orchestra
NEC’s orchestras have benefited from the proximity of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its guest conductors and staff conductors. Renowned artists who have led concerts or reading sessions with NEC students in recent years include Esa-Pekka Salonen, Michael Tilson Thomas ’25 hon. DM, Simon Rattle, Raphael Frühbeck de Burgos, Fabio Luisi, and Sakari Oramo.
