The Waltham Symphony is the premier civic orchestra in the Waltham area, serving the City of Waltham and surrounding communities. It is comprised of seasoned professionals, high-level amateurs and students under the direction of internationally acclaimed music director, French-born Patrick Botti The mission of the orchestra is to bring high quality performances to communities and groups rarely exposed to classical music. To this end, the orchestra develops programs in partnership with the Waltham Schools, Bentley University, and with leading arts and cultural organizations in the city. These programs address ethnic and cultural diversity and provide bridges between these diverse cultures and traditional classical repertoires. The orchestra provides scholarships for young musicians and enables public school students in Waltham to discover classical music and the symphony orchestra. The Waltham Symphony Orchestra is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.