Student-run symphony orchestra of 100+ members giving four annual concerts and international tours, plus youth music education and elder care in Boston.
- Joining
- Audition
- When
- Usually recruits in fall
- Meets
- Twice weekly: Monday evenings and Friday afternoons
About
The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, Harvard’s premier symphony orchestra, known for musical excellence and rare levels of student musicianship, has captivated audiences since 1808 with its powerful and thought-provoking performances and has cultivated some of the world’s most brilliant future classical performers. In addition to its four professional-quality annual concerts and biennial international tours, members dedicate significant time and resources to inspiring greater Boston communities through youth music education and elder care. With Music Director Federico Cortese, an entirely student-run board, a 100+ member symphonic roster, and an engaged alumni base of more than 2,800, the orchestra strives for musical excellence and community enrichment at home and abroad.
How to join
- Audition — You perform for the group, often with a callback round.
Details
- Status
- Recognized
- Members
- 100+ members
- Dues
- No dues required
What they do
- Biennial international tours
- Alumni mentorship program
- Plays four concerts every year in Sanders Theatre
- Community outreach at elementary schools and senior centers
- Assistant Conductor Competition
- James Yannatos Concerto Competition
- Chamber sightreading nights
- Weekly community dinners and post-concert parties
Mission, in their words
The orchestra strives for musical excellence and community enrichment at home and abroad.
In the news
- For Junior Family Weekend, Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra Outstandingly Performs Sibelius and HaydnThe Harvard CrimsonMar 18, 2019
- Weekend Arts Wrap-UpThe Harvard IndependentApr 24, 2025
More links
Sources
- SponsorsClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- ProgramsClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- Assistant CondctorsClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- ArticleClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- Frequently-asked questionsClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- About the Harvard-Radcliffe OrchestraClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- Prospective MembersClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard-Radcliffe OrchestraClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- Instagram: @harvardradcliffeorchestraClub's social account · seen Oct 3, 2026
- For Junior Family Weekend, Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra Outstandingly Performs Sibelius and Haydn | The Harvard CrimsonThe Harvard Crimson · seen Sep 30, 2026
- Weekend Arts Wrap-Up | Harvard IndependentHarvard-related site · seen Sep 30, 2026
- Harvard–Radcliffe Orchestra - WikipediaOther website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- Wikipedia: List of Harvard College undergraduate organizationsOther website · seen Oct 1, 2026
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