About

Boston's professional
training orchestra

Our mission

Symphony Nova transforms aspiring orchestral musicians into successful arts professionals.

Founded in 2007 by conductor Lawrence Isaacson, Symphony Nova is the only professional training orchestra in Boston. We bridge the gap between conservatory graduation and a sustainable life in music — through performance, mentorship, and community engagement.

Three core values

Competition

Focus their aspirations, utilize their assets, and navigate market realities.

Collaboration

Build relationships with diverse groups of people to expand their network.

Creation

Innovate and experiment with new ways of using their talents and skills.

Why we exist

The number of students graduating from music schools is staggering and has been increasing steadily for many years. Symphony Nova gives these musicians a place to keep practicing their art, keep learning, and build the careers they trained for.

“Not only does Nova allow us to continue practicing our art through performance, but we also continue learning.”

— Aubrey Holmes, Nova Fellow, viola

At a glance

  • Founded 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 26-0852508
  • 29-piece fellowship orchestra
  • Home venue: Old South Church, 645 Boylston St
  • Ten inaugural Nova Fellows, flute to double bass