The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra, a civic symphony of the MetroWest area, began in 1985 under the direction of local musicians David J. Tierney and Harold W. McSwain, Jr. Comprised of almost 60 professional, semi-professional, and amateur musicians, the orchestra's mission is to provide the Waltham community with the opportunity to perform in and attend classical concerts of the highest quality. WPO musicians come from Waltham as well as from Boston and surrounding communities. The ensemble includes players of a wide range of ages and professions.

There are five to six concerts throughout the season, including one that features the winner of the annual Youth Concerto Competition, which provides opportunities for young musicians to perform solo works with the WPO. Annual concerts have included summer Concerts on the Common and the December Holiday Pops.

In its early seasons, the Philharmonic enjoyed an affiliation with Boston College, whose students performed with amateur and professional players from the local area. From 1990 on, the WPO's Music Directors have been David Tierney, William Guerin, and Julie Anne Schroeder. Anthony J. Palmer became the Orchestra's fifth Music Director; he inspired the group with new challenges, most notably the concept of the well-received "Italian Night at the Opera," the orchestra's most ambitious project ever, subsequently conducted by Akiko Fujimoto.

Jonathan Girard was chosen as Music Director in the summer of 2002 and completed five seasons with the orchestra. During Jonathan's tenure, the orchestra's repertoire and its technical capabilities continued to grow. In January 2008, the WPO appointed conductor and composer Peyman Farzinpour as Music Director; in June 2009 the Orchestra appointed Michael Korn as interim Music Director for its 2009-10 season.

The WPO is available to perform for private concerts; in addition, the orchestra's Chamber Players can be hired for business or social functions.

The WPO Board of Directors in conjunction with WPO members determines its management. We welcome volunteers to assist with the operations of the orchestra. We also welcome inquiries about joining the Board of Directors. For more information, e-mail the board president at admin@wphil.org, or speak with any WPO member about your interest.