New England Conservatory

Radu Paponiu has extended his contract as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra through the 2028–29 season. The Wattis Foundation Music Director joined the SFSYO in 2024 and leads four concerts annually.

The NEC Jazz Orchestra will present African Cookbook: Music of Randy Weston and Melba Liston on Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Jordan Hall. Conducted by Ken Schaphorst, the program honors the influential partnership between composer, pianist, and bandleader Randy Weston and trombonist, composer, and arranger Melba Liston.

The Allen Center in Newton will present three piano concerts in March, featuring performances by renowned pianists including Yuki Yoshimi. These events will showcase a diverse range of piano music to the community.

NEC will present The John McNeil Memorial Concert, featuring NEC faculty, students, and alumni in performances honoring the longtime NEC faculty member, who passed away in 2024.

A current student and an alum of New England Conservatory have been selected for the 2026 Residency Commissions from The Jazz Gallery. Bassist and composer Hannah Marks (’26), a master’s student in NEC’s Jazz Studies program, and pianist Jonathan Paik (’23) are among three emerging artists chosen annually for the honor.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra and New England Conservatory have launched the BSO x NEC Alliance that formalizes and  expands the artistic collaboration between these two iconic institutions.

Following a storied career on the operatic stages across the country, acclaimed mezzo soprano Dency Graves is entering the next phase of her career. For the PBS culture series CANVAS, arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown caught up with the performer ahead of her retirement. Watch the segment now.

The American Youth Chamber Orchestra will present its Spring 2026 Chamber Music Program, featuring a distinguished faculty of musicians. These educators, known nationally and internationally, mentor young musicians.

Kendall Square Orchestra will present 'Edge of Destiny' at Sanders Theater on Friday, March 13, 2026. Led by Music Director Kristo Kondakçi, the 110-piece orchestra will perform Mahler's Symphony No. 6, whose subject is nothing less than the meaning of life in the face of implacable fate.

The Houston Chamber Choir will present WHAT HAVE WE DONE TODAY? conducted by Jason Max Ferdinand this February. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!

NEA Jazz Master Anthony Braxton will collaborate with the NEC Jazz Composers' Orchestra for a one-night event, showcasing innovative jazz compositions. Learn more here!

NEC students will showcase their musical talents by performing iconic hits from the 60s and 70s in the upcoming show GENIUS ON THE CHARTS on February 24.

Miller Theatre will host a jazz concert with JOHN MEDESKI and KIRK KNUFFKE, showcasing a blend of improvisational jazz and unique compositions.

The upcoming American Roots Workshop and Community Barn Dance on January 18 offers a day of musical learning and dancing for all ages.

Sierra Madre Playhouse will launch its new season with a music program featuring accordionist Cory Pesaturo and violinist and vocalist Leah Zeger. The event opens the Playhouse’s season of live music programming.