Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 1991, the GRAMMY Award winning Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the nation’s oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively operated professional orchestra and Louisiana’s only full-time professional orchestra. The LPO is a Group 3 orchestra with an annual budget of $5-5.5million which serves an annual audience of approximately 60,000 people in one of the most cul

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Founded in 1991, the GRAMMY Award winning Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the nation’s oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively operated professional orchestra and Louisiana’s only full-time professional orchestra. The LPO is a Group 3 orchestra with an annual budget of $5-5.5million which serves an annual audience of approximately 60,000 people in one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the nation. The LPO exists to transform people and communities through music and serves as a cultural leader throughout New Orleans, southeastern Louisiana, and communities across the state.

Rooted in one of the world’s most influential musical cities, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra reflects both the artistic traditions and creative spirit that define New Orleans. Through artistic excellence, education, and community engagement, the organization creates meaningful musical experiences that connect audiences across generations and communities.

Over a full 32-36-week season, the LPO presents a broad portfolio of programming in New Orleans and across multiple adjacent parishes that reflects both tradition and innovation. Annual offerings include classical subscription performances, chamber music, education initiatives, community engagement programming, contemporary music, cross-genre collaborations, pops, family programming, and performances that celebrate Louisiana’s cultural identity and musical heritage. Recent seasons have featured world premieres, contemporary compositions by living composers, partnerships with local artists, collaborations across artistic disciplines, and programming designed to broaden access and deepen relevance.

Each year, the organization reaches tens of thousands through performances, education initiatives, and community engagement programs. The LPO Academy provides sustained musical instruction for nearly 500 students across partner schools, while broader education and engagement initiatives serve more than 14,000 young people and families annually. The orchestra partners with educational institutions, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community organizations to strengthen access to music.

As resident orchestra partner to major cultural organizations and touring artists, the LPO occupies a unique role within New Orleans’ cultural ecosystem and contributes meaningfully to the civic and cultural vitality of Louisiana.

The LPO has a tri-partite organizational governance structure comprised of 67 full-time musicians, an administrative staff, and a Board composed of two-thirds community trustees/one third musicians. The organization’s distinctive musician-governed model creates an extraordinary culture of ownership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and institutional commitment. This model has defined the orchestra since its founding and remains central to its identity and success.

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