The Lowell House Opera Orchestra invites instrumentalists from Harvard and the larger Cambridge and Boston community to experience the excitement of performing live opera on a grand scale. As an integral part of every Lowell House Opera complete opera production, the Lowell House Opera Orchestra performs to more than 1500 audience members annually and is recognized as one of the premier groups of its kind in the Boston area.

In 2009–2010, the Lowell House Opera Orchestra will perform Puccini’s Tosca.

Frequently asked questions: Lowell House Opera Orchestra

How can I join the orchestra?
Orchestra auditions will be held in November 2009 at Lowell House, 10 Holyoke Place, Cambridge, MA 02138. You will be asked to play a short solo (2–3 minutes) of your own choosing, and then sightread a short passage. Please complete this form to schedule an audition.

Who can join the orchestra?
Lowell House Opera is a community effort involving artists within and outside of Harvard University. Each year Harvard students and affiliates of many universities, conservatories, and ensembles in the Boston area join the orchestra. We encourage all interested musicians to audition. All positions are volunteer/no-pay/no-fee.

When does the orchestra rehearse?
Weekly orchestra rehearsals for Tosca begin January 16, 2010. Most rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings; dress rehearsals and performances are evenings; a full schedule is here.

If I perform in another orchestra, will I have time to perform in Lowell House Opera?
Most members of the Lowell House Opera Orchestra also perform regularly in one or more orchestras in addition to LHO. Most Harvard undergraduate members of the LHO Orchestra perform with the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra or Bach Society Orchestra.

How big a time commitment is required?
Our scheduling system emphasizes flexibility and choice. Each orchestra member chooses to play between one and seven performances of the opera; performances will take place February 24, 26, 27, 28; and March 3, 5, 6, 2010, all evening performances. About 120 instrumentalists are part of the LHO Orchestra each year, of whom about 60 to 70 instrumentalists will play in any individual performance. As noted above, most orchestra players participate concurrently in other groups without difficulty.

What orchestra positions are available?
We are hearing auditions for the following orchestra positions: violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, contrabassoon, trombone, bass trombone, and percussion. Click here to see our 2008–2009 roster. Pianists may find more information here.

Can I hear the orchestra?
An audio clip from a concert performance with soprano Sarah Nicholas Price is here.

How can I find out more information?
If you have any questions, please contact the Orchestra Manager.

Sign up for an audition: