The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), made up of around 70 full-time musicians, performs more than 120 concerts annually. These musicians often stand at the end of each performance in their formal black-and-white attire, receiving applause. But behind the tuxedos and dresses, there is a diverse group of musicians who bring their unique backgrounds and talents to the orchestra.
A Global Cast of Musicians
Anwar Nasir, the Executive Director of the LPO, shared that the orchestra’s musicians come from all over the world. “Some come from places as far as Chalmette and Seoul, South Korea,” Nasir said. This diversity is not just in where they come from, but also in their personal lives when they are not performing.
For example:
- Meagan Gillis, a timpanist from Annapolis, Maryland, busks with bands on Frenchmen Street and plays backgammon with friends.
- Manuel Papale, a cellist from Buenos Aires, enjoys soccer with other orchestra members.
- Geunseon Han, a cellist from South Korea, explores the city’s bakeries and coffee shops.
For these musicians, New Orleans offers a vibrant, welcoming environment where they feel at home, even if they didn’t initially think about living here.
What It’s Like to Join the LPO
For musicians like Papale (who moved to New Orleans from Miami), and Gillis and Han (who’ve been here for a couple of years), arriving in a new city and joining the orchestra can be a life-changing experience.
The audition process is tough. Musicians must audition blindly, meaning the selection committee does not know who is performing. This ensures the process is based entirely on skill, with up to five rounds over three days.
Once musicians win a position, they join the orchestra on a two-year contract, which serves as a trial period. After this time, they may be offered tenure if they meet the required standards.
The Warm Welcome of New Orleans
While moving to a new city can be difficult, New Orleans is a place known for its warmth and friendliness. Gillis recalls her first day in the city, where she was invited to sit in with a band on Frenchmen Street—a welcoming experience that made her feel right at home.
Papale shares a similar story: after his first concert with the LPO, the orchestra members treated him like he had been there for years.
The LPO’s Diversity Strengthens the Orchestra
Jacob Schafer, the assistant principal second violin, emphasizes that having a diverse orchestra is not only beneficial for the music but also for the community. The LPO attracts musicians from all over the country and the world, including South Korea, Japan, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Peru, and Argentina.
Diversity adds to the richness of the orchestra’s sound and culture. It also benefits New Orleans, which is now home to musicians who contribute to the local community, like Han, who teaches at LSU and Loyola University and performs with the Civic Orchestra and New Orleans Youth Orchestra.
The LPO’s Impact on Education
The LPO is also committed to education. The orchestra has provided musical experiences to over 500 students across 10 schools in Louisiana. Through its outreach programs, the LPO hopes to continue enriching the community through music.
Upcoming Performances
The LPO has a busy season ahead. Here are some highlights for spring 2026:
- April 8: Market Nights with George Porter Jr. at New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market
- April 16: Open Rehearsal for Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 7”
- April 16: Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 7” at The Orpheum Theater
- April 16: Swing in the Oaks: City Park (Free Performance at Peristyle)
- April 30: Warren Haynes: Dreams & Songs Symphonic Experience with the LPO
- May 7: Open Rehearsal for Stravinsky’s “The Firebird Suite”
- May 7: Stravinsky’s “The Firebird Suite” at The Orpheum Theater
- May 9: Market Nights with Pell at New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market
