Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra

Others dispute this because of the organization's somewhat informal beginnings (the original charter states that the intent of the Pierian Sodality is to "perform music for the enjoyment of others as well as serenade young women in the square"), and because at one point in its history, the Pierian Sodality was reduced to only one member, a flutist named Henry Gassett.

The orchestra plays four concerts every year in Sanders Theatre on Harvard's campus.

From 1964 to 2009, the orchestra was led by James Yannatos, a composer and member of the music faculty.

He retired after the 2008-09 school year, and Federico Cortese took over as music director on July 1, 2009.

The HRO has toured various places throughout its history, including Brazil, Washington, D.C., Canada, Italy, Soviet Union, Asia, Europe, Cuba, Mexico, and most recently South Korea.