Community Orchestra
The Newton Symphony Orchestra, in existence since 1965, has been described as the best of what a community orchestra can be. The orchestra performs a four concert subscription series each year at the Rashi Auditorium at Newton Corner, with national and international soloists. We also perform one family concert each year and run a concerto competition for school age students resident in Newton.
Keywords: opera, classical music, orchestral music, concerto competition, symphony, not for profit, non-profit,
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
The Newton Symphony Orchestra has been providing high quality, low cost orchestral concerts in Newton since 1965, that's now 45 years. We also provide chamber music concerts at the Newton Free Library during the season
What is your primary product or service?
We perform orchestral music.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Michel and Doris (Dodi) Sasson and Mrs. Nan Bennett gathered at the Brookline residence of Michel’s dear friends Milan and Lydia Dabcovitch. Nan Bennett asked why there was no symphony orchestra in Newton. Michel, violinist in the Boston Symphony Orchestra for many years, jokingly replied, “You start it and I’ll conduct it.” It all began with a consultation with the Mayor of Newton, Monty Basbas, who felt the orchestra would be named the Newton Civic Orchestra. Gertrude and Henry Lasker phoned two hundred people and the audience was built for the first concert in 1965. (Henry Lasker reviewed the first concert for the press.) By 1967, the name was changed and The Newton Symphony Orchestra was born. Official documents were filed and certification issued. Michel Sasson emphasized that, “Gertrude and Henry did absolutely everything and they were the best friends the Newton Symphony ever had. Nan Bennett and Dodi Sasson were the spark plugs of the whole thing.”
Max Hobart, BSO violinist, was the first Concertmaster and “he made a huge contribution.” Marylou Speaker Churchill became the second Concertmaster and remained in that position for two years. Ronald Knudsen, a BSO violinist who also played in the NSO, became the third Concertmaster. In 1983, Mr. Knudsen became the second Music Director of the Newton Symphony Orchestra, where he remained until 1994. Jeffrey Rink was the third Music Director from 1995 to 2007. Kristina Nilsson became Concertmaster of the Newton Symphony Orchestra in 1995. James M. Orent became the fourth Music Director in 2008.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We play to a very high standard. Our members are friendly and welcome new players at any time of the year.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We perform orchestral concerts only in one place at the moment, the building formerly called Aquinas College, now the Rashi School, 15 Walnut Park, Newton Corner. It might have another name as of September 2010. In this time of tight budgetary considerations we have no plans to expand. Chamber music concerts are given at the Newton Free Library and other locations in the area.
Provide detailed directions to your location
The auditorium at 15 Walnut Park is located close to Newton Corner; behind the Newton History Museum, just off Washington Street, close to Exit 17 of the Mass Pike (I-90).
* There's plenty of free and convenient parking in the lot behind Rashi on Jackson Road (one block from Washington Street)
* MBTA buses from Newton Corner stop at the corner of Walnut Park.
* 15 Walnut Park entrance is where to drop people who have difficulty with stairs, or where to park with an ADA plate.
General Directions
From the West or anywhere near Route 128/ I 95:
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike, Route 90 eastbound towards Boston. Take Exit 17, Newton Corner, where the Crowne Plaza Hotel stands over the Turnpike. At the top of the ramp go straight and as you approach the second set of traffic lights turn left and go over the turnpike, staying in the middle of the five lanes. At the traffic lights at the end of the bridge bear left again, (not back onto the turnpike) along Washington Street towards West Newton (you are now heading West). Leave the Crowne Plaza on your left and go past the Nissan dealership on the right. Walnut Park is the second right after the dealership. Proceed round Walnut Park to the Rashi School which is at the far end. This is where to drop people who have difficulty with stairs, or where to park with an ADA plate.
For other parking keep going on Washington Street to Jackson Road, the third right after the car dealership. Turn right on Jackson Road; there is a parking lot on the right-hand side after about 500 yards which is behind Rashi. There are doors to the auditorium from the parking lot, but with a staircase, and no elevator.
From Boston:
Take the Mass Pike (Route 90) westbound to exit 17, Newton Corner. At the top of the ramp go straight, on Washington Street towards West Newton. Leave the Crowne Plaza on your left and go past the Nissan dealership on the right. Walnut Park is the second right after the dealership. Proceed round Walnut Park to the Rashi School which is at the far end. This is where to drop people who have difficulty with stairs, or where to park with an ADA plate.
For other parking keep going on Washington Street to Jackson Road, the third right after the dealership. Turn right on Jackson Road; there is a parking lot on the right-hand side after about 500 yards which is behind Rashi. There are doors to the auditorium from the parking lot, but with a staircase, and no elevator.
From Cambridge/Watertown direction:
From Cambridge take Route 16 west to Watertown Square (the intersection of Route 16 and Route 20). From Watertown Square head south on Galen Street, toward Newton Corner, about 1/2 mile. At Newton Corner turn right along Washington Street towards West Newton. Leave the Crowne Plaza on your left and head past the Nissan dealership on the right. Walnut Park is the second right after the dealership. Proceed round Walnut Park to the Rashi School which is at the far end. This is where to drop people who have difficulty with stairs, or where to park with an ADA plate.
For other parking keep going on Washington Street to Jackson Road, the third right after the dealership. Turn right on Jackson Road; there is a parking lot on the right-hand side after about 500 yards which is behind Rashi. There are doors to the auditorium from the parking lot, but with a staircase, and no elevator.
What type of payments do you accept?
Advance ticket purchases can be made online, by phone or in person: for those we accept cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard. At the door we accept cash or checks.
Which areas do you service?
We attract audience members from throughout the Boston and metrowest areas.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The orchestra is governed by a Board of Directors, the president of which is Josef Porteleki. Working with the Board the day to day work of running the organisation is done by the Executive Director, Letitia Stevens.
What are your hours of operation?
Office hours are generally about 10am to 6.30pm or by appointment. Online ticketing is always open when there are tickets for sale. On performance days the box office and will call table, at 15 Walnut Park, are open from one and a half hours before the concert begins.
Contact Newton Symphony Orchestra:
