New England Philharmonic

More than 70 musicians. One mission.

What brings a scientist, a teacher, a student, a retiree, and a professional musician together every week?

A shared belief that music is still being written, still being discovered, and still has the power to bring people together.

Over the past several weeks, we've introduced you to some of the musicians who make up the New England Philharmonic community. Their stories are different, but a few themes continue to emerge.

Rossana speaks about the excitement of discovering new music and championing composers whose voices deserve to be heard.

Alison reflects on how NEP helped her grow beyond her musical comfort zone and develop a deeper appreciation for contemporary music.

Meghan describes the mentorship, encouragement, and friendships that have helped shape her journey as a musician.

Together, these stories remind us that NEP is more than an orchestra. It is a community built on curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to bringing new music to life.

As we approach June 30, your support helps sustain the musicians, composers, and artistic experiences that make this work possible.

If you believe in the power of discovery, creativity, and community, please consider making a gift today.

nephilharmonic.org/support

When Ali Shively graduated from college, she knew she wanted to keep playing violin.

She began looking for an orchestra that would help her stay connected to music while meeting other musicians in the Boston area. That's what first brought her to the New England Philharmonic.

At first, she wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

"I've always preferred Romantic-era music instead of 21st-century music," she says. "When I first joined, I admit I was a little worried."

But over time, something changed.

"Over the years, I have grown to appreciate and become more comfortable with playing more modern music."

For Ali, NEP became more than an orchestra. It became a place to build friendships, grow as a musician, and discover new opportunities. Through connections she made in the orchestra, she was even invited to participate in a Wagner orchestra festival later this summer.

She also came to appreciate what makes NEP so distinctive.

"The NEP's mission is unique from other community ensembles in that it focuses on featuring works from living composers. I think this is important both for the composers trying to have their music performed and for musicians like me who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play this kind of music."

Stories like Ali's remind us that NEP is a place where musicians continue learning, growing, and discovering new possibilities throughout their musical lives.

Thank you for supporting the musicians, composers, and artistic experiences that make this work possible.

nephilharmonic.org/support

For violinist Rossana Chung, joining an orchestra has always been one of the best ways to build community.

When she moved to Boston in 2011, she joined several ensembles. Fifteen years later, the New England Philharmonic is the one she has stayed with.

Part of that is the people.

"At NEP, it is easier to get to know people over the years," she says. "It's great to meet new people, but it's also great to see old friends each year."

But another reason is the music.

Rossana's first NEP concert included Michael Gandolfi's Angels and Neurones, a work inspired by brain activity during sleep.

"It was unlike anything I had ever played," she recalls.

That experience sparked an appreciation for the kind of musical discovery that defines NEP's mission.

"We are the champion of new music because today's unknown composers could be tomorrow's next great masters. You never know. It is discovering something new."

For fifteen years, Rossana has helped bring new music to life. Thank you for helping make that work possible through your support of the New England Philharmonic.

nephilharmonic.org/support

Today’s spotlight is on the NEP bassoon section.

One of the things that stands out about this group is the range of experiences its members bring to the orchestra.

George Muller began playing bassoon in high school in 1961 and went on to perform professionally in Germany for more than two decades. Frank Casados joined NEP in 2007 and has remained committed to the orchestra’s adventurous programming ever since. Laura Reyes was drawn to NEP specifically because of its dedication to living composers and contemporary music.

Despite their different backgrounds, they share a common belief in the importance of bringing new music to life.

“Living composers bring new growth to musical ideas and what the orchestra can do,” says Frank.

For Laura, NEP’s commitment to living composers is what makes the orchestra truly special.

“NEP musicians absorb and perform these works with the highest integrity and sincerity,” she says. “With each new piece, members demonstrate their commitment to learning together, working as a team, and making the composers proud.”

Their stories remind us that NEP is more than an orchestra. It is a community of musicians spanning generations, united by curiosity, collaboration, and a shared love of discovery.

Thank you for helping support the musicians, composers, and artistic experiences that make this work possible.

nephilharmonic.org/support

Today's spotlight is on the NEP brass section.

One of the highlights of our 2026 New Music Readings was trumpeter Charlie Anderson's beautiful solo performance in Steven Crino's Elegy. Moments like these are a reminder that bringing new music to life requires not only visionary composers, but dedicated musicians willing to invest their time, talent, and creativity in the process.

The New Music Readings are one of the ways NEP supports emerging and established composers alike, giving them the opportunity to hear their music performed by a high-caliber orchestra and receive meaningful artistic feedback.

Behind every reading, rehearsal, and performance is a community of musicians, volunteers, audience members, and supporters who make this work possible.

Thank you for helping us continue to champion living composers and adventurous music-making.

nephilharmonic.org/support

When violinist Elspeth Boyd first joined the New England Philharmonic, she expected something formal and intimidating.

Instead, she found a welcoming artistic community dedicated to curiosity, collaboration, and contemporary music.

“My first impression was how welcoming it felt,” she says. “Anyone who wants to play and partake of music is welcome.”

Through projects like this season’s Black Hole Symphony, Elspeth discovered how immediate and emotionally impactful new music can be.

“When we started to make progress with it, it clicked with me how impactful new music can be,” she reflects. “It was a pivotal moment for me.”

For Elspeth, NEP’s mission matters because it creates space for composers and voices that are too often overlooked elsewhere in the classical music world.

Your support helps make that work possible — creating a place where adventurous music, new ideas, and meaningful artistic connection can thrive.

nephilharmonic.org/support

For trombonist and Music Librarian Liam Tierney, one of the most meaningful parts of the New England Philharmonic experience is the connection between musicians and audiences.

“Audience presence is a huge part of what motivates and excites us,” he says. “We strive for our music to reach people emotionally, intellectually, educationally, and more.”

Liam joined NEP in 2023 and quickly found an orchestra deeply committed to innovation, living composers, and artistic collaboration. In addition to performing in the trombone section, he also serves as the orchestra’s Music Librarian — helping prepare the scores and materials that bring each performance to life.

“Getting to work with sheet music feels like slipping through a secret door,” he says, “delving into history or a composer’s mind.”

As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary season, we’re grateful for the audiences, musicians, volunteers, and supporters who help make NEP a welcoming space for adventurous music-making and shared artistic experiences.

If you’d like to support NEP’s work, you can learn more here: nephilharmonic.org/support

For lead percussionist Sam Schmetterer, one of the most exciting things about performing with the New England Philharmonic is the music itself.

“One of the things I love about NEP is that as a percussionist, I get to play instead of just waiting and counting,” he says.

That’s because NEP’s commitment to contemporary music places percussion at the center of many ambitious works — from large-scale performances like Britten’s War Requiem to this season’s Black Hole Symphony.

Sam also values the opportunity to collaborate directly with living composers during rehearsals and performances, helping shape new works in real time.

Behind every concert is an enormous collaborative effort involving musicians, composers, instrument rentals, venues, and technical resources.

“NEP occupies a unique position in the Boston orchestral scene,” Sam says, “and we depend on supporters and donors to be able to function.”

Your support helps make performances like these possible.

http://nephilharmonic.org/support

Violinist Meghan Titzer first joined the New England Philharmonic more than a decade ago — stepping into a world of adventurous programming, challenging new music, and a deeply supportive musical community.

What keeps her here?

“The way that you can trust people to play new music is different,” she says. “We are more adventurous.”

As we prepare for our 50th anniversary season, we’re grateful for musicians like Meghan who help make NEP a place where artists, composers, and audiences can experience something truly unique together.

Your support helps make this community possible. philharmonic.org/support

Behind every Call for Scores selection is a deep commitment to listening, curiosity, and artistic discovery.

We’re grateful to Composer-in-Residence Carlos Carrillo and Music Director Tianhui Ng for leading this year’s selection process and helping bring extraordinary new voices to the NEP stage.

This year’s winner, Aaron Israel Levin, will join our upcoming season with his work Ten remarks on a city — a powerful addition to a season that continues NEP’s long-standing commitment to living composers and contemporary music.

More soon.