The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra was originally founded as the Lynn Philharmonic Orchestra in 1946 by a group of fifteen North Shore musicians. The Orchestra assumed the name North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra in the fall of 1947. The Orchestra grew and prospered in its first 25 years under Rolland Tapley, a first violinist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It was Mr. Tapley who established the tradition of Sunday afternoon concerts frequently featuring soloists of international renown.

After Mr. Tapley's retirement in 1973, his Boston Symphony deskmate Max Hobart was appointed Music Director of the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra; and under Mr. Hobart, the NSPO prospered as the conductor challenged the Orchestra with such works as Verdi's Requiem, Mahler's Symphony No. 1 and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which Mr. Hobart led twice, including his farewell performance on May 19, 1996.

In the Orchestra's second half-century, Music Director Robert Lehmann continued the tradition of grand classical performances and community involvement for which the North Shore Philharmonic has become known. Mr. Lehmann succeeds Hisao Watanabe, who served one year as Music Director (1996-1997) before leaving to pursue other musical commitments.

The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra comprises approximately 65 musicians, mostly volunteers, and includes students, freelance musicians and retirees whose talents and love for the classical repertoire are unmatched. The Orchestra is staffed by an all-volunteer administrative staff which oversees all non-musical aspects of every performance.