Physicians for Human Rights

Longwood Symphony Orchestra

Concert to Support PHR - March 8, 2008

The Longwood Symphony Orchestra, now 120 members strong, was established in 1982 by members of the Harvard Medical School community. More than 80% of LSO musicians work in the health sciences, and the orchestra has received critical acclaim for musical quality and unique programming.

The work of Dr. Albert Schweitzer inspired the LSO in 1991 to perform all of its concerts as benefits for health-related nonprofit organizations in greater Boston through its "Healing Art of Music Program." Since then, the LSO has helped raise over $700,000 for Boston's medically underserved.  This year the LSO is focusing on major public health topics that affect our community. This concert on International Women's Day will support Physicians for Human Rights and the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. Under the direction of Maestro Jonathan McPhee, the concert will feature pianist Meng-Chieh Liu, whose own personal story of trauma and recovery is an inspiration.

Meng-Chieh Liu, pianist, is the recipient of the 2002 Avery Fisher Career Grant. He went on to receive critical acclaim for performances at venues such as the Kennedy Center and the Philadelphia All-Star Series. When Mr. Liu was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating illness that affected his connective tissues, he was immobilized for a year and told that his condition was likely to be terminal. Even if he survived, it was deemed impossible that he would ever be able to play the piano again. Against all the odds, Mr. Liu made a full recovery and resumed his illustrious career.

The concert on Saturday, March 8, 2008, will include:

• Ralph Vaughan Williams -
  Overture to the Wasps
• Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky -
  Piano Concerto No. 3, op. 75, E-flat Major
• Carl Nielsen -
  Suite of Three Pieces: Pan and Syrinx, At the Bier of a Young Artist, Helios