Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

SIBELIUS / PROKOFIEV

Sibelius
Finlandia
In partnership with Music:Eyes

Sibelius
Violin Concerto

Prokofiev
Symphony No. 5

Benjamin Zander, conductor

in mo Yang, violin

About the Program

The long, and sometimes uneasy connection between Finland and Russia is highlighted in the first concert of the BPYO, as is the profound difference between the two composers. On the one hand we have the inspiring and liberating nationalism of Sibelius’s Finlandia, a piece that glories in the idea of Finnish liberation from Russian dominance and in the firm establishing of its own national identity. This is a true declaration of independence in all but name. On the other hand, we have the great Fifth Symphony of Prokofiev, a wily yet oddly profound work in which the composer fully embraces Soviet dictates about the nature and purpose of art while still, almost miraculously, maintaining the integrity of his own personal voice.

At the center of this powerful program is the breathtaking Violin Concerto of Sibelius. And to play it we have one of today’s most breathtaking young stars. Korean violinist In Mo Yang recently won First Prize in the International Paganini Competition in Cremona, Italy, a competition so prestigious and so demanding that the First Prize hadn’t been awarded to anybody since 2006! Since then he has given many concerts in Europe and in the United States (including his Carnegie Hall debut), and has garnered overwhelming acclaim everywhere. Critics are unanimous in praising his subtle artistry, perfect technique, and powerful communication with the audience. He plays on a Stradivarius that is on loan to him, and is currently a student at New England Conservatory.


Partnership with Music:Eyes 

Visualization by Stephen Malinowski

The first work on the BPYO's November 7 program features a visual animation of Finlandia projected above the orchestra. Created by a team of BPYO members and staff this Music:Eyes creation follows the music bar-by-bar, representing every instrument, note, dynamic, color and gesture that Sibelius wrote.

Learn more about this partnership


Music for Food

2016-10-12-050935-edited.jpgFor this exciting performance, the Boston Philharmonic will once again partner with the great Kim Kashkashian and the Music for Food program.

The Boston Philharmonic will pledge to match any cash donations made to Music for Food up to $1,000 with all money going directly to the Tuesday Night Supper Program at the Church of the Advent to aid in the fight against food insecurity.  

Volunteers from Music for Food will be at Symphony Hall to accept your donations. Donations can also be made online by clicking here.

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNERS / GANDOLFI /  HINDEMITH February 12, 2017 Buy Tickets

Monday, November 7, 2016
7:30pm / Symphony Hall