For audition excerpts and information about what to prepare, see the main BPYO Audition page.
This year's auditions must be submitted on video. The audition form may be found here. While most openings are filled in the spring, we do hold auditions in early September to fill any remaining spots.
If you have issues with the Audition form, please email us at bpyo@bostonphil.org.
This spring's auditions must be submitted on video. There is no minimum or maximum length for the videos, as long as the files are the appropriate side to upload. Please use your judgment to provide a good sample of your playing.
What questions will be asked in the audition interview?
The motto of the BPYO is “shaping future leaders through music.” Please give some thought to how you hope to contribute to society with your music, how you would like to change the musical landscape, and what aspects of music you are most passionate about.
Saturdays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning in mid-September and running through early June.
TBD
Rehearsal venue TBA.
We are planning three concerts in Symphony Hall. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Stay tuned!
Players must be age 21 or younger on September 15, 2026. Exceptions will be considered for older players who are still enrolled in undergraduate degree programs. Requests for age exceptions should be made by writing to bpyo@bostonphil.org.
The current membership of the BPYO is about 50% pre-college, and 50% college age.
Yes, all players will be equally considered for principal chairs. In some instruments there may be multiple principal chairs.
Yes! We are currently planning our final tour to Europe for June 2027!
In the past, the BPYO has toured:
2023: South Africa
2022: Greece
2019: Brazil
2018: Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the Netherlands
2017: Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay
2016: Carnegie Hall & Spain
2015: Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland
2013: the Netherlands
At the beginning of each rehearsal, Mr. Zander gives a weekly leadership assignment to members of BPYO. After each rehearsal players are asked to write reflections on the rehearsal and their experience in the BPYO, referred to as “white sheets.” These provide a unique ongoing dialogue between Mr. Zander and all of the players. Often players’ comments provide the impetus for significant discussions about the power of music, the role of musicians, and the mission of an orchestra like the BPYO, leading to the development of leadership capacity. From time to time Mr. Zander will also facilitate group discussions on the nature and practice of leadership. He is a highly sought-after international speaker on leadership, motivation, contribution, creative thinking and living a passion filled life.
See http://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html and http://www.benjaminzander.com.
BPYO is a tuition-free ensemble.
There is no mandatory participation fee, and no one is excluded based on financial considerations. BPYO is dependent on the contributions of generous members of our community, including the families of BPYO members. BPYO families are asked to contribute as generously as they are able.
The BPYO is a division of the BPO not-for-profit corporation. The BPO serves as the management of the BPYO in all aspects, providing all musical, production, marketing and fiscal resources. BPYO members are invited to attend BPO performances, and are coached by members of BPO in rehearsals.
