About the Orchestra

The Bach Society Orchestra, Harvard's premier undergraduate chamber orchestra, is devoted to the study and performance of works for smaller orchestras, from intimate chamber pieces to mid-sized symphonies, taken from a wide range of historical periods. Each season includes four performances throughout the year, often including student and professional collaborations with guest soloists or Harvard choral groups.

Popularly known as BachSoc, the Bach Society Orchestra is staffed, managed, and conducted entirely by students. Each year, the members of the orchestra select a student, always an undergraduate, to be their conductor for the following year. In turn, at the beginning of the new year the inaugurated conductor reauditions every member of the orchestra, ensuring that the quality of the orchestra remains high. BachSoc's rehearsals and concerts provide a refreshingly egalitarian ethos combined with the highest standards of musical performance.
Frequently Asked Questions

Music Director

Sasha Scolnik-Brower '17, Music Director

Sasha Scolnik-Brower, a junior in Winthrop House, is returning as Music Director for the Bach Society Orchestra's 2016-2017 season. Sasha has previously conducted Harvard's Mozart Society Orchestra and the Phillips Academy Orchestras. As a cellist, Sasha is currently enrolled in the dual degree program of Harvard University and the New England Conservatory.

More about Sasha

Our Officers

More about our officers

Our Musicians

Violin

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Flute & Piccolo

Oboe

Clarinet

Bassoon

French Horn

Trumpet

Timpani

Competitions

The Bach Society Orchestra hosts two annual competitions - the Concerto competition and the Composition competition - to promote the recognition of musical excellence at Harvard.

More Details
Auditions

Orchestral auditions for the 2016-2017 season of the Bach Society Orchestra have concluded. Stay tuned for next season! Please click the link below to find out more about the process.

Auditions
Support the Orchestra

For 60 years, the Bach Society Orchestra has been made possible by people like you. Consider making a gift to the Orchestra to support the music you love.

Learn more

Bach Society Orchestra
Music Building
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

bachsoc@hcs.harvard.edu

©2017 The Harvard University Bach Society Orchestra

The Bach Society Orchestra is a a student-run organization at Harvard College; The Harvard name is a trademark of the President and Fellows of Harvard College and are used with permission of Harvard University.