The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, Harvard’s premier symphony orchestra, known for musical excellence and rare levels of student musicianship, has captivated audiences since 1808 with its powerful and thought-provoking performances and has cultivated some of the world’s most brilliant future classical performers. In addition to its four professional-quality annual concerts and biennial international tours, members dedicate significant time and resources to inspiring greater Boston communities through youth music education and elder care. With Music Director Federico Cortese, an entirely student-run board, a 100+ member symphonic roster, and an engaged alumni base of more than 2,800, the orchestra strives for musical excellence and community enrichment at home and abroad.
From the moment of his debut in September 1998, stepping in at short notice to conduct Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in place of Seiji Ozawa, Federico Cortese's work as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony was widely praised.
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All HRO musicians are also full-time students at Harvard University, primarily at the undergraduate level. They hail from all parts of the country and the world.
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In addition to being an official Harvard class and student orchestra, HRO is also a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. HRO is entirely run by an undergraduate student board that manages concert and rehearsal logistics, publicity efforts, finances and taxes, member engagement, community outreach, international tours, and more.
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