The New England Conservatory (NEC) has played a significant role in the vitality of Boston’s musical life since its founding in 1867. Since the beginning of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, NEC faculty and alumni have served as essential members of the orchestra. Notable former faculty members include Daniel Pinkham, Vic Firth, Marc Astafan, among others.
The conservatory’s many performing groups include Bach Ensemble, the Philharmonia, [nec] shivaree (NEC’s Avant-Garde Ensemble), Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra—not to mention the numerous Honors Ensembles devoted to the performance of chamber music.
New England Conservatory of Music Information
- Venues: Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough Street; Pierce Hall; Williams Hall; Keller Room; Brown Hall; Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge.
- Programs: Chamber Music, Choral & Gospel, Ensembles-in-Residence, First Monday at Jordan Hall, Jazz & Improvisation, Liszt 2011, New Music, Opera & Vocal, Orchestras, Preparatory School Concerts, Soloists & Piano, Wind, Brass & Percussion Ensembles.
- Ticket Prices: Most NEC concerts are free of charge; visit the website for ticket information on select concerts.
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good.
