New England Philharmonic

For violinist Rossana Chung, joining an orchestra has always been one of the best ways to build community.

When she moved to Boston in 2011, she joined several ensembles. Fifteen years later, the New England Philharmonic is the one she has stayed with.

Part of that is the people.

"At NEP, it is easier to get to know people over the years," she says. "It's great to meet new people, but it's also great to see old friends each year."

But another reason is the music.

Rossana's first NEP concert included Michael Gandolfi's Angels and Neurones, a work inspired by brain activity during sleep.

"It was unlike anything I had ever played," she recalls.

That experience sparked an appreciation for the kind of musical discovery that defines NEP's mission.

"We are the champion of new music because today's unknown composers could be tomorrow's next great masters. You never know. It is discovering something new."

For fifteen years, Rossana has helped bring new music to life. Thank you for helping make that work possible through your support of the New England Philharmonic.

nephilharmonic.org/support

Today’s spotlight is on the NEP bassoon section.

One of the things that stands out about this group is the range of experiences its members bring to the orchestra.

George Muller began playing bassoon in high school in 1961 and went on to perform professionally in Germany for more than two decades. Frank Casados joined NEP in 2007 and has remained committed to the orchestra’s adventurous programming ever since. Laura Reyes was drawn to NEP specifically because of its dedication to living composers and contemporary music.

Despite their different backgrounds, they share a common belief in the importance of bringing new music to life.

“Living composers bring new growth to musical ideas and what the orchestra can do,” says Frank.

For Laura, NEP’s commitment to living composers is what makes the orchestra truly special.

“NEP musicians absorb and perform these works with the highest integrity and sincerity,” she says. “With each new piece, members demonstrate their commitment to learning together, working as a team, and making the composers proud.”

Their stories remind us that NEP is more than an orchestra. It is a community of musicians spanning generations, united by curiosity, collaboration, and a shared love of discovery.

Thank you for helping support the musicians, composers, and artistic experiences that make this work possible.

nephilharmonic.org/support

When violinist Elspeth Boyd first joined the New England Philharmonic, she expected something formal and intimidating.

Instead, she found a welcoming artistic community dedicated to curiosity, collaboration, and contemporary music.

“My first impression was how welcoming it felt,” she says. “Anyone who wants to play and partake of music is welcome.”

Through projects like this season’s Black Hole Symphony, Elspeth discovered how immediate and emotionally impactful new music can be.

“When we started to make progress with it, it clicked with me how impactful new music can be,” she reflects. “It was a pivotal moment for me.”

For Elspeth, NEP’s mission matters because it creates space for composers and voices that are too often overlooked elsewhere in the classical music world.

Your support helps make that work possible — creating a place where adventurous music, new ideas, and meaningful artistic connection can thrive.

nephilharmonic.org/support

Violinist Meghan Titzer first joined the New England Philharmonic more than a decade ago — stepping into a world of adventurous programming, challenging new music, and a deeply supportive musical community.

What keeps her here?

“The way that you can trust people to play new music is different,” she says. “We are more adventurous.”

As we prepare for our 50th anniversary season, we’re grateful for musicians like Meghan who help make NEP a place where artists, composers, and audiences can experience something truly unique together.

Your support helps make this community possible. philharmonic.org/support