Students gathered at Cary Hall as part of OKTC.

Students gathered at Cary Hall as part of OKTC.

Our Mission

Lexington Symphony is a professional orchestra of accomplished musicians who share a passion for classical music, a commitment to community engagement, and a commitment to exacting standards of performance. The Symphony offers six programs each season at Cary Hall in Lexington and reaches thousands of area youth annually with Orchestrating Kids Through Classics™, its award-winning educational outreach program for third and fourth graders.

With an emphasis on making music accessible to the community, Lexington Symphony offers world-class programming, affordable tickets, and outreach programs that introduce music lovers of all ages to classical music.

Our History

Founded in 1995 by conductor Hisao Watanabe and a group of dedicated musicians and supporters, Lexington Symphony maintains a grassroots community spirit while producing high-quality performances. The Symphony draws an ever-growing audience from the greater Lexington area and fills Cary Hall for the six programs it presents each year.

MAESTRO MCPHEE

Named one of the “busiest conductors in the world”* for the second year in a row, Maestro Jonathan McPhee’s tireless focus and penchant for innovative programming entertains and enlightens audiences. A catalyst for Lexington Symphony’s organizational and artistic growth, McPhee has led orchestras around the globe. He is the Music Director Emeritus for Boston Ballet, where he served as Music Director and Principal Conductor for 27 years.
*BackTrack.com

Connecting to the community is at the heart of Lexington Symphony’s mission and approach. With a passion for educating younger generations about classical music, the Symphony presents workshops and concerts for children and offers an educational outreach program for third and fourth graders, Orchestrating Kids Through Classics™, which has received accolades from parents, kids, and teachers alike. Lexington Symphony makes classical music accessible to all through affordable ticket prices and exciting concert experiences that audiences love, and has been recognized for its community outreach efforts with a number of awards.

McPhee engaging with audience members during a pre-concert Conductor's Talk.

McPhee engaging with audience members during a pre-concert Conductor's Talk.

Music Director Jonathan McPhee, who joined the Symphony in 2004, is one of the leading musical figures in New England. Each of Lexington Symphony’s classical concerts are preceded by a Conductor’s Talk by McPhee, in which he explores the thoughts of the composers and the history behind the music in a way that illuminates the listening experience to follow. Under McPhee’s leadership, the Symphony continues its work as a renowned, first-class organization firmly committed to its community.