The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra was created in 2012. Its formation was enthusiastically supported by leading figures in the musical world, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, conductor Sir Simon Rattle and composers John Harbison and Gunther Schuller. The November 25, 2012 debut performance drew a full house to Boston’s Symphony Hall, and was described by critics as “Spectacular in every way” (Boston Globe) and “Technically superlative, sonically magnificent, and musically satisfying” (Boston Phoenix). The nearly 120 passionate and supremely gifted young musicians of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra range in age from 12 to 21, some residing in Boston and throughout New England and some studying in Boston and coming from throughout the US and other countries. The players represent a wide diversity of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds, offering a clear vision of the universal power of music for future generations.
The BPYO is an artistic institution of the 21st century that goes far beyond the normal youth orchestra format by providing an environment for musical excellence and leadership development that strengthens communication and deepens the human experience. BPYO offers a unique opportunity for young instrumentalists who want to study great orchestral repertoire in a musically dynamic and intellectually challenging community while building their potential for optimum contribution to humanity in whatever field they pursue.
