New Philharmonia Orchestra of Massachusetts

CONTACT:

PO Box 610384
Newton, MA 02461
617-527-9717
www.newphil.org

Adrienne Hartzell, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

NPO is a top-flight community orchestra with the motto "Music for All." It has a double mission: to help keep classical music alive with colorful and interesting programs in accessible locations for diverse audiences of new listeners and seasoned music lovers; and to provide opportunities for qualified nonprofessional musicians to experience the demands and pleasures of professional-level performance. The Music Director is Ronald Knudsen - 35-year veteran violinist with the BSO, regular guest conductor of the Boston Pops, and an inspired teacher and conductor of community orchestras. Reviews consistently express surprise at the quality and dimensions of performance that Knudsen manages to evoke from his players. Concerts are presented in Needham, Lincoln, and the Mission Church in Roxbury. The Orchestra regularly performs with high school choruses, to give students a chance to work with an accomplished full orchestra. Regular concerts feature guest soloists and pre-performance "Conversations with the Conductor," for deeper understanding of the music about to be performed. The message here is that philanthropy is bringing the best in classical music to the people, for the people to perform and appreciate. Quality of life is what it's all about.

(1999: CULTURE: Arts: Performing: Music and Dance)