About the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra

History

The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra grew from humble beginnings in 1947, when fifteen north shore musicians organized the Lynn Philharmonic Orchestra. The group adopted its current name in 1948 and prospered during its first 25 years under Rolland Tapley, a first violinist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Tapley retired in 1973, succeeded by his BSO stand partner, Max Hobart, who led the NSPO until his farewell performance May 19, 1996.

Dr. Robert Lehmann became the NSPO's fourth Music Director in 1997-98 following Hisao Watanabe's one-year tenure.

Through the years, the NSPO has brought north shore audiences soloists such as violinist Joseph Silverstein, guest conductors including Arthur Fiedler and Harry Ellis Dickson and innumerable young prodigies. In recent years, the NSPO has welcomed soloists such as BSO violinist Lucia Lin, well-known cellist Jonathan Miller and Boston Radio personality Kim Carrigan as a guest narrator of Aaron Copland's legendary Lincoln Portrait. The orchestra has had a presence, as well, with special performances highlighting historic local events such as the 350th Commemoration of the Salem Witch Trials, the Bicentennial Celebration of the birth of George Peabody, the 100th Anniversary of Revere Beach and annual charitable holiday concerts in Revere and Danvers.

Under Dr. Lehmann's leadership, the orchestra has explored the reaches of the classical genre while advocating partnerships with other organizations. In 2008, he led the NSPO with the Paul Madore Chorale and members of the Swampscott High School chorus in Beethoven's 9th Symphony, capping the NSPO's 60th anniversary. In 2009, the NSPO presented its first fully staged operas, Puccini's Soir Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, in conjunction with the University of Southern Maine Opera.

In the most ambitious joint-venture of its history, the orchestra collaborated with the Polymnia Choral Society, the Paul Madore Chorale and the Boston City Singers to perform Mahler's Symphony No. 3 to begin the NSPO's 70th anniversary season in November of 2017. Also that season, NSPO cellist Marshunda Smith conducted the Winter concert, representing the rare occasion throughout the classical music world that an African-American woman conducted a full orchestra.

The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra is a community orchestra. The orchestra's musicians are music-loving business men and women, academics, religious leaders, scientists, engineers, teachers, students, homemakers, retirees and freelance musicians. It has also been a showcase for its own talented musicians who have stepped into the role of featured soloist on many occasions. The orchestra is staffed by an all-volunteer administrative staff which oversees all non-musical aspects of every performance. If you would like to become part of this venerable organization as a musician or volunteer, please contact us.

Mission Statement

The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, a community orchestra staffed largely by volunteer players and supporters, is committed to providing access to quality music at an affordable price to communities on Boston's North shore; to developing, training and providing opportunities for young musicians; and to providing a large range of programs covering the full range of symphonic and pops repertoire for a diverse public, focusing primarily on instrumental works but also including instrumental/vocal and choral works.