Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra (HRO) is a collegiate symphony orchestra comprised of Harvard students and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in March of 1808 as the Pierian Sodality, the orchestra is considered by some to be the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. This is disputed by others because of the organization's less-than-serious beginnings (the original charter states that the intent of the Pierian Sodality is to "perform music for the enjoyment of others as well as serenade young women in the square"); many consider the New York Philharmonic to be the oldest American orchestra. Years after its founding, the organization was down to one person (Henry Gassett, a flutist), but membership in the group rose soon after. The HRO took its current form as a modern symphony orchestra in the first half of the 20th century, and also briefly held the distinction of the nation's largest collegiate orchestra.
The orchestra currently exists as the largest of the orchestras at Harvard University and is composed entirely of Harvard students. The orchestra plays four concerts every year in Sanders Theater on Harvard's campus. Its alumni board is still called the Pierian Sodality of 1808 and comprises past members.
The orchestra has been led since 1964 by James Yannatos, a composer and member of the music faculty at Harvard.
The HRO has toured various places throughout its history, including Brazil, Washington, D.C., Mexico, Canada, Carnegie Hall, Italy, Soviet Union, Asia, and Europe. In 1978 the HRO placed third in the International Festival of Student Orchestras.
Past Presidents have been:
Matthew Boch (2002) Ethan Grey (2003) Stephanie Hurder (2004) James "Jimbo" Collins III (2005) Chrix Finne (2006)
