New England Philharmonic

Every concert ends the same way—but no two endings ever feel the same.

After weeks of rehearsals, hours of individual practice, conversations with composers, moving scenery, setting percussion, preparing music, and welcoming audiences, there is one shared moment:

The last note fades.

The hall grows quiet.

Then comes the applause.

Those few moments remind us why we do this.

Our musicians volunteer countless hours because they believe new music deserves to be heard. Our audiences come with open ears and curious minds. Our donors and supporters make it possible for those two communities to meet.

As we prepare to close our fiscal year on June 30, we're reflecting with gratitude on everyone who has been part of this remarkable season.

If you've attended a concert, cheered on a young artist, discovered a new composer, or simply believe that adventurous music belongs in our community, thank you.

And if you're able to help us finish the year strong with a gift before June 30, we'd be deeply grateful.

Together, we're looking ahead to an exciting 50th anniversary season.

nephilharmonic.org/support

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

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

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