Symphony by the Sea is an all-professional chamber orchestra performing classical symphonic music ranging from Baroque to Contemporary for audiences North of Boston.

The orchestra was founded when Royston Nash, conductor of the Cape Cod Symphony and former Music Director of London's D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, assembled a group of local and Boston area musicians and began weekly rehearsals at Marblehead's Old Town Hall. After playing informally together for several months, the orchestra made its public debut at the Peabody Essex Museum in June 1981.

Symphony by the Sea will perform three weekend concerts in 2014 - 2015. Thursday evening concerts are in Abbot Hall in Marblehead. Thursday evening concerts will be repeated on their respective following Sundays at The Firehouse Center for the Performing Arts in Newburyport (see the Venues page for more information on locations).

Pops and school concerts are scheduled individually by special arrangement at various locations.

The orchestra is committed to introducing young people to the world of classical music. As part of our Education and Outreach services, classrom visits in schools and school concerts can be arranged. Our subscription series concerts have regularly featured emerging young stars of the music world.

Symphony by the Sea maintains an active partnership with Endicott College, bringing programming and opportunities to students - the next generation of musicians and music lovers.

Since its inception, Symphony by the Sea has brought a standout array of soloists to the listening public, including such celebrated artists as Sarah Heaton, Pamela Frank, Stephanie Chase, Paula Robison, D'Anna Fortunato, Leone Buyce, Ann Hobson Pilot, James Buswell, Frederick Moyer, Carol Wincenc and Augustin Hadelich. Guest conductors have included Harry Ellis Dickson, Max Hobart and Steven Karidoyanes. Donald Palma, a guest conductor several years ago, begins his eighth season as Symphony by the Sea's Conductor and Music Director.

Outside its yearly concert series in Marblehead and Byfield/Newbury, the orchestra has also performed at such venues as Hammond Castle in Gloucester and the Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington. Boston locations have included Jordan Hall, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church and the Hynes Auditorium.