Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ new home cultivates a space wholly centered around energizing our community of young musicians, conductors, teaching artists, and more. The BYSO Youth Center for Music, now officially open and in use, is an astounding example of a space thoughtfully created with considerations of space, location, utility, inclusivity, accessibility, and more. The BYSO Youth Center for Music, just across the street from Symphony Hall, is iconic for its location and recognizable architecture. The building was created as the Sunday School for The First Church of Christ, Scientis ..read more

BYSO’s Intensive Community Program (ICP), is a nationally recognized instrumental training program that was created in response to the financial and culturally accessibility barriers preventing students from Boston and underrepresented communities from participating in classical music opportunities. The program, open to ages K-12, starts with students who often have little to no music training. Over the years, through concerts, private lessons, and more, these students work their way up and audition into one of BYSO’s prestigious ensembles.  This year, at the end of BYSO’s 66th season, th ..read more

BYSO chamber group of student musicians play for opening day guests; photo by Michael J. Lutch On May 11th, 2024, BYSO finally opened our doors and welcomed the public to our new home: the BYSO Youth Center for Music! Although BYSO had previously invited students into our new building for programming, our new space opening for all to see was a big occasion to celebrate. So, that is exactly what we did!  BYSO student musician shares his knowledge of the clarinet; photo by Michael J. Lutch The afternoon of the BYSO Youth Center for Music Opening Day celebration was filled with joy, music, a ..read more

Mayor Wu cutting the ribbon to the BYSO Youth Center for Music. Photo by Michael J. Lutch. Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras recently celebrated one of our largest milestones in our over 65-year history. On March 26, 2024, BYSO hosted a ribbon cutting of our first very own home for our young musicians, the BYSO Youth Center for Music. The Youth Center for Music (YCM), a newly renovated building located in the heart of Boston, has the goal to bring together all BYSO musicians in fostering musical excellence and personal growth. View of the BYSO Youth Center for Music Building. Photo by Mayor’s ..read more

BYSO’s Marathoner This year, CITGO generously provided BYSO with a bib for the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America with the support of Sharon Durkan, Boston City Councilor District 8. BYSO fielded applications from community members, and narrowed down a group of excellent candidates to ultimately select Yeji Cha-Beach, a 2004 (G)BYSO alumna. A passionate violinist, avid runner, mom of two, and a Music Associate Producer for Late Night With Seth Meyers, Yeji was overjoyed to be running her tenth marathon for an organization that has greatly shaped the adult she is today. In her w ..read more

  Mayor Wu cutting the ribbon to the BYSO Youth Center for Music. Photo by Micheal J. Lutch. Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras recently celebrated one of our largest milestones in our over 65-year history. On March 26, 2024, BYSO hosted a ribbon cutting of our first very own home for our young musicians, the BYSO Youth Center for Music. The Youth Center for Music (YCM), a newly renovated building located in the heart of Boston, has the goal to bring together all BYSO musicians in fostering musical excellence and personal growth. View of the BYSO Youth Center for Music Building. Photo by Ma ..read more

“That moment was pivotal for me, proving that the hours spent uncovering the meaning behind sound pays off, creating a universal language.” – Taichi Fukumura ‘10 When the orchestra takes the stage, we see a group of talented musicians with an exact understanding of their score, who are led by the keen musical awareness of their conductor to create beautiful music. What we don’t see, however, is the amount of attention and time it takes to get to the core of each piece’s message. At BYSO, the orchestra isn’t only about playing notes in synchronicity—it’s about working with each other and one’s ..read more

In 2009, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) began a truly remarkable partnership with Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). This collaboration introduced BYSO’s celebrated annual performance of Peter and the Wolf, which has become a beloved family favorite that almost always sells out Symphony Hall! As we work to inspire the future of classical music, our ongoing partnership with BSO is an integral part of our mission. Every year, hundreds experience the magic of BYSO’s Peter and the Wolf, both onstage and among the audience. As a former audience member who just played in his first performance ..read more

“Just like in classical music, you need grit in law, too. As a musician, you can’t give up on your orchestra—and you can’t give up on your client as an attorney, either.” – Raïna Jacques ‘09 When Raïna Jacques presents arguments in court, she is sometimes taken back to her BYSO days, where endless hours of perfecting her craft would crescendo on stage. Starting in one of BYSO’s first Intensive Community Program (ICP) cohorts as a 9-year-old viola player, Raïna worked hard to eventually join BYS. Throughout nine years of practice, rehearsals, and concerts, BYSO was the highlight of the week. T ..read more

Catherine Weiskel joined BYSO as Executive Director in 1996, bringing Federico Cortese (Fed) to lead BYSO’s artistic programming in 1999. Since then, BYSO has grown exponentially as a result of their visionary leadership. Cathy and Fed paved the way for inclusive and immersive musical opportunities, constantly exceeding the expectations of what youth orchestras can and should accomplish. Fed and Cathy long envisioned creating a home where children near and far could experience exceptional music education. The BYSO Youth Center for Music is the realization of this dream and a result of their c ..read more