The Philharmonic is comprised of local instrumentalists from ages 13 to 80, inviting both adult and outstanding high school student performers to participate. The repertoire ranges from the great classical composers and original compositions to musical theatre and contemporary music. Rehearsing weekly at Lawrence High School, the project is supported by Lawrence Public Schools as an effort to nourish the aesthetic needs of the Five Towns community. The Philharmonic was created after the visit of Alexander Bernstein, son of the late composer Leonard Bernstein, to Lawrence Public Schools in 1993. Alexander Bernstein now serves as a trustee to the Philharmonic.
Players view each other as fellow musicians.
Similar sentiments are expressed by the Philharmonic members. Having played at Radio City Music Hall and with the Dallas Symphony, I enjoy being able to play once again and share my years of experience. Alexander Bernstein sent a letter to the members of the Philharmonic, congratulating them on the start of rehearsals. My father would be absolutely thrilled by your orchestra. You are yourselves breaking down walls and building bridges.