Named after Boston's Longwood Medical Area, the Longwood Symphony Orchestra is primarily composed of highly trained musicians who are also medical professionals. The LSO was established in 1982 with the belief that music has the power to heal the community and its mission is to perform concerts of musical diversity and excellence, while supporting health-related nonprofit organizations. 

The LSO works toward the achievement of its mission through its two primary programs: (1) The "Healing Art of Music" program, through which the LSO uses each of its four subscription-series concerts to help nonprofit "Community Partner" organizations raise funds for the medically underserved, and (2) "LSO On Call," which brings free chamber music performances to hospitals, nursing homes, and other health-care facilities.