Now in its 27th season, the free community concert celebrates resilience, renewal, and the unifying power of music to inspire joy and connection.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- MIT Professional Education invites the public to experience an evening of inspiring classical music as the MIT Summer Philharmonic Orchestra (MITSPO) marks its 27th season with a free concert on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in MIT's Kresge Auditorium. Open to the community, this year's performance embraces the theme "Celebrating Hope & Optimism," featuring a program that speaks to perseverance, renewal, and new beginnings.
Under the direction of Founder, Music Director and Conductor George Ogata, the orchestra will perform two landmark works. Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5, composed during a period of global uncertainty, is widely regarded as a testament to the strength and dignity of the human spirit. Dvořák's beloved Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," reflects themes of discovery and opportunity while celebrating the possibilities that emerge when cultures and ideas come together.
"Prokofiev and Dvořák each wrote music that looks toward something larger than the present moment," said Ogata. "Together, these works create a program that feels especially meaningful for our 27th season. We look forward to welcoming audiences to Kresge for a powerful evening of music with MIT colleagues, friends, and members of the broader community."
Proudly sponsored by MIT Professional Education since the orchestra's founding in 1995, MITSPO is Greater Boston's premier summer community orchestra, composed of approximately 104 accomplished musicians from the MIT community and Greater Boston.
"Music has a unique ability to connect people across cultures and communities through a shared human experience," said Bhaskar Pant, Executive Director of MIT Professional Education. "At a time when we are celebrating America's 250th anniversary of independence, we feel particularly proud to support this long-standing tradition of bringing world-class classical music to the ears of the Greater Boston community, reflecting MIT's continued commitment to learning, innovation and community service."
Beyond sponsoring this annual event, MIT Professional Education delivers transformative learning programs for technology and engineering professionals and organizations around the globe, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to solve complex challenges and create a better future.
For more information about the concert, click here! Early arrival is encouraged to ensure a seat.
About MIT Professional Education
MIT Professional Education is a leader in technology and engineering education for working professionals globally, pursuing knowledge advancement, and for organizations seeking to meet modern-day challenges by expanding the knowledge and skills of their employees. Our lifelong learning courses and Professional Certificate Programs are delivered in a range of formats – in-person, on-campus, on-site, live virtual, online, and through blended and hybrid approaches to meet the needs of today's learners and the global workforce.
Media Contact
Andrea LePain, MIT Professional Education, 1 6178941153, [email protected], https://professional.mit.edu
SOURCE MIT Professional Education
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