The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1979 by conductor Benjamin Zander as a community orchestra with a mission to create a deep, participatory connection between musicians and audiences. Over four and a half decades, the BPO has become a cornerstone of Boston’s cultural landscape, celebrated for its electrifying performances, innovative programming, and dedication to musical education and outreach.

The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO) is an ensemble program of the BPO that was established in 2012. The BPYO is an award-winning, tuition-free youth orchestra composed of approximately 120 musicians aged 12 to 21 from the Greater Boston area. This age range creates a dynamic environment for artistic and personal growth, where younger members learn alongside seasoned collegiate musicians, regardless of financial background.