What Makes Us

The Boston Civic Symphony

History

Founded in 1924 by the late educator, conductor, and composer Joseph Wagner, the Boston Civic Symphony is the second oldest symphony orchestra in the city. As one of Boston’s most respected musical organizations, the Civic has distinguished itself from other local musical groups through its focus on engaging exceptionally skilled student and amateur performers, and through its emphasis on developing a broad-based audience.

The Civic’s presentation of works by masters like Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms is balanced by its performances of pieces by contemporary American composers. Most concerts are held at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.

For thirty-eight years, Max Hobart, former assistant concertmaster of the BSO, led the orchestra – one of the longest tenures for any symphony orchestra conductor in history. After a two-year, worldwide search, Francisco Noya became the new music director in 2017.

Our Mission

To encourage attendance by a diverse population from the Greater Boston area by offering moderately priced tickets and by distribution of a number of free tickets to underserved populations in Boston.

To provide orchestral training and experience under competent direction for teachers, students of music who are preparing for professional careers, and skilled amateurs.

To offer performances of unusual and contemporary works, with a special focus on American compositions, with leading soloists. The Civic performs four major concerts, which offer a range of classical and contemporary music.

our staff

Music Director
Francisco Noya
MusicDirector@BostonCivicSymphony.org

Music Director Emeritus
Max Hobart

Executive Director
Tom Engeln
Executive@BostonCivicSymphony.org

Box Office Manager
Tickets@BostonCivicSymphony.org

Librarian
Librarian@BostonCivicSymphony.org

Assistant Conductor
Ken Yanagisawa

Board of Directors 

Jan Steenbrugge, President

John Oliver, Vice President

Debra Minard, Treasurer
Treasurer@BostonCivicSymphony.org

Jeremy Gershonowitz

Richard Horn

Charles Kawada, M.D.

Meghan Titzer

Contact Us

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