Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

The Little Orchestra Society of New York is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 70 years. Founded in 1947 by Thomas K. Scherman, the orchestra has become a staple of the New York City music scene, known for its innovative programming and commitment to education. Scherman, a conductor and violinist, had a vision for a new kind of orchestra that would bring classical music to a wider audience. He wanted to create a group that would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their musical background or education. With this goal in mind, he founded the Little Orchestra Society of New York. The orchestra's early years were marked by a series of innovative performances that set it apart from other classical music ensembles. Scherman was known for his creative programming, which often included works by contemporary composers alongside more traditional pieces. He also experimented with different concert formats, such as "musical conversations" that allowed audience members to interact with the musicians. Over the years, the Little Orchestra Society of New York has attracted a number of talented musicians to its ranks. Some of the most notable members have included violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Emanuel Ax. These musicians have helped to establish the orchestra's reputation for excellence, and have contributed to some of its most memorable performances. One of the orchestra's most famous performances took place in 1960, when it premiered Leonard Bernstein's "Candide" at Carnegie Hall. The production was a huge success, and helped to establish the Little Orchestra Society of New York as a major player in the classical music world. The orchestra has since gone on to perform a number of other works by Bernstein, including his "Mass" and "West Side Story." In addition to its performances, the Little Orchestra Society of New York has also been committed to education and outreach. The orchestra has a number of programs designed to introduce young people to classical music, including its "Lolli-Pops" concerts for children and its "Meet the Instruments" program, which allows students to interact with the musicians and learn about the different instruments in the orchestra. Over the years, the Little Orchestra Society of New York has received a number of awards and accolades for its contributions to the classical music world. In 1997, the orchestra was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists and arts organizations by the United States government. The orchestra has also been recognized by the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Today, the Little Orchestra Society of New York continues to be a vital part of the classical music scene in New York City. Under the leadership of music director James Judd, the orchestra has continued to innovate and experiment, while remaining true to its founding mission of making classical music accessible to everyone. With a rich history and a bright future, the Little Orchestra Society of New York is sure to continue entertaining audiences for many years to come.

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