Kendall Square Orchestra connects professionals from across the diverse academic and corporate community of Kendall Square through music.
The Kendall Square Orchestra (K²O), established in 2018, has rapidly ascended as a distinguished entity within Boston's vibrant cultural landscape, skillfully bridging the realms of classical music with the innovative spirit of the science and technology community. Comprised of over 70 adept musicians who are also professionals in the scientific and technological arenas, K²O represents the epitome of musical excellence, fostering an environment where the precision of science and the expressive power of music coalesce, creating a unique symphonic experience that resonates with a broad audience.
Central to K²O's mission is the "Symphony for Science," a bi-annual event that epitomizes the orchestra's commitment to leveraging the arts as a catalyst for societal advancement. This initiative not only showcases K²O's musical prowess but also highlights its dedication to philanthropy, particularly in supporting healthcare and STEM education initiatives. Through this event, K²O has mobilized the community, raising significant funds and demonstrating the transformative potential of music to inspire change and foster unity. In this way, K²O continues to redefine the role of an orchestra in the modern world, blending artistic innovation with a deep-seated commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
Our Purpose
Founded in 2018, Kendall Square Orchestra is the product of friendship and passion for music set to the backdrop of life in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Co-founders Kelly Clark and Elena Spencer hail from Michigan and met while working as bench scientists at a local Michigan biopharmaceutical company. They were founding members of a small musical ensemble at that company, a group with the mission to connect colleagues and support local charitable causes. This was their first evidence of the power of music to unite within the science and technology industry.
Over a decade later, working in R&D operations at separate biopharma companies in Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA, they began to entertain the idea that an orchestra should exist to connect across all local science and technology companies.
Kelly and Elena’s vision came into focus when they met and hired conductor Kristo Kondakçi in April 2018 and assembled an administrative team to bring this vision to reality.
Kendall Square Orchestra now brings together musicians from over 40 local science and technology companies and academic institutions to collaborate, innovate and inspire through music while supporting causes related to healthcare and STEM education.
Our Story