The Belmont Voice: Students Tour Mexico with Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
"Following one of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s concerts, the American ambassador stationed in Veracruz approached Zander and whispered in his ear, “You did more good tonight with your concert than all the politicians.” -Maile Blum. Read the full article on The Belmont Voice.org.
The Arts Fuse: July Short Fuses — Materia Critica
Teenagers don’t normally play music by Gustav Mahler. Still, one of last spring’s best concerts was the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s March account of that composer’s massive Symphony No. 6...The fundamentals of Zander’s earlier interpretation remained intact: Thursday’s was a Sixth that drove with purpose and color, striving in defiance of the hammer blows that shadow its huge finale. But it had also grown in subtlety and nuance.
The transitions in and out of the Scherzo’s altväterisch refrains beguiled. The Andante’s phrasings unspooled with easy naturalness and the orchestra’s navigation of Mahler’s opalescent writing in that section was spot-on. Though fatigue emerged intermittently in the finale, Zander’s was a reading that did full justice to the music’s craggy tenaciousness: nothing save oblivion itself stands in the way of the Sixth’s spirit of perseverance and creativity.
Given the hash the current administration has made of international relations, they were also timely reminders that, even in times of peril, humanity, decency, and goodwill can still transcend borders." — Jonathan Blumhofer. Read on ArtsFuse.org
TV Azteca Puebla Facebook: Video coverage
Oronoticias Puebla: Puebla vibrará con concierto de la Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston
"Este 23 de junio a las 19:00 horas, el Auditorio de la Reforma vibrará con un concierto extraordinario que unirá el talento de la Orquesta y Coro Esperanza Azteca, el Coro Sinfónico BUAP y la aclamada Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston, bajo la magistral dirección de Benjamin Zander, reconocido director de la Filarmónica de Boston y destacado orador internacional." -Redaccion Oronoticias. Read the full article at Oronoticias Puebla.com.
"Politically, we're not living in a good time, but musically, yes. We're very excited to be here; we've been warmly welcomed. The orchestra members, whose ages range from 14 to 22, feel they're playing beyond their own boundaries, with purpose. The world is divided, but everyone understands a symphony." -Erika Reyes. Read the Article on OEM.com.mx
"El director de orquesta Benjamín Zander llegará a Puebla para ofrecer un concierto único, en compañía de la Orquesta y Coro Esperanza Aztec'a y el Coro Sinfónico de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP)." -Jipsy Herrera. Read the full article on Econsulta.com
"Tuve el gusto de platicar con Benjamin Zander a quien recordamos por su participacion en las charlas TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment and Design) que tienen como objetivo promover “las ideas dignas de ser difundidas” su charla ha sido vista más de 30 millones de veces! entre YouTube y el sitio web de TED." -Ray Zuribi. Read the article on mediatik.com.mx.
Proceso: Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston cierra gira con mensaje de unión entre México y EU
"CIUDAD DE MÉXICO (apro).- Con un mensaje de unión entre México y Estados Unidos por parte del director Benjamin Zander, al frente de la Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston, la agrupación cerró su gira por México con la Sinfonía núm. 6 de Gustav Mahler en el Centro Cultural Universitario.
El concierto, que contó con músicos invitados de la Orquesta Juvenil Universitario Eduardo Mata en cuerdas e instrumentos de viento, tuvo lleno en la Sala Nezahualcóyotl del CCU de la UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México), en medio de la noche lluviosa de este jueves 25. " -Niza Rivera. Read the article at proceco.com.mx.
LA RAZÓN: Benjamin Zander: Músicos mexicanos contagian libertad (Spanish PDF)
El célebre director de orquesta estadounidense Benjamin Zander y la galardonada Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston (BPYO) ofrecieron la noche de ayer, junto a la Orquesta Juvenil Universitaria Eduardo Mata, un concierto en la Sala Nezahualcóyotl, de la Ciudad de México, en lo que representó su última presentación de una gira de 16 días por varias ciudades de nuestro país."-Armando Armenta. Read the full article on La Razon.com.mx
Gaceta UNAM:Las orquestas juveniles de la UNAM y Boston, en la Nezahualcóyotl (Spanish PDF)
"La música, Mahler y el trabajo en equipo construyen puentes para el diálogo y la colaboración creativa. La Orquesta Juvenil Universitaria Eduardo Mata (OJUEM) y la Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston (BPYO, por sus siglas en inglés) trabajan en conjunto a fin de interpretar la Sinfonía núm. 6 en la menor, Trágica, de Gustav Mahler el próximo jueves 26, a las 20 horas, en la Sala Nezahualcóyotl." -Roberto Frías. Read the article on Gaceta.UNAM.mx
"Formado como violonchelista, Benjamin Zander cambió el instrumento por la dirección orquestal, decisión que ha beneficiado a varias generaciones de músicos y a quienes lo han seguido a través de conciertos, grabaciones, clases maestras, conferencias y otras actividades de difusión; publica MILENIO." Read the article at Los Tubos.com
"Formado como violonchelista, Benjamin Zander cambió el instrumento por la dirección orquestal, decisión que ha beneficiado a varias generaciones de músicos y a quienes lo han seguido a través de conciertos, grabaciones, clases maestras, conferencias y otras actividades de difusión." Read the article at Milenio.com
CANAL 14: Video Interview (YouTube)
RADIO EDUCACIÓN: Interview (YouTube video)
"A sus 86 años, Benjamin Zander (Inglaterra, 1939), director y fundador de la BPYO, se prepara para lo que anuncia como su última gira internacional, que lejos de tratarse de una despedida solemne, se presenta de una celebración: “la culminación de una vida dedicada a la formación de jóvenes músicos y a la firme convicción de que la música puede transformar no sólo a quien la interpreta, sino a todo aquel que la escucha”." Read the full article on MSN.com
Infinito Radio: Interview of Benjamin Zander
"Bajo la dirección de Benjamin Zander, la Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston realizará una gira por territorio mexicano con un programa que incluirá a Giuseppe Verdi, Antonin Dvorák, Igor Stravinsky, Arturo Márquez y Gustav Mahler." Antonio Becerril Romo. Read the article on eleconomista.com.mx.
CANAL 22: Video Interview of Benjamin Zander (Minute 24:22 through 27:41)
CANAL ONCE: Video Interview of Benjamin Zander
Zocalo Arte: Interview of Benjamin Zander (Article in Spanish)
Las Notas MX: EMPRENDE GIRA POR MÉXICO FILARMÓNICA JUVENIL DE BOSTON (Spanish PDF)
"Ciudad de México 10 junio 2025.- A sus 86 años, Benjamin Zander lleva más de medio siglo enseñando a jóvenes músicos. La filosofía del director británico es que se puede enseñar la música sin jerarquías ni humillaciones para forjar no sólo artistas sino líderes. Ese pensamiento describe a la Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston (BPYO), que cofundó hace 13 años como un centro de formación gratuito para músicos de entre 13 y 21 años, y con la cual alista una gira por México." -Erika P. Bucio. Read the full article on Las Notas mx.
Reforma: Video interview of Benjamin Zander
"Formado como violonchelista, Benjamin Zander cambió el instrumento por la dirección orquestal, decisión que ha beneficiado a varias generaciones de músicos y a quienes lo han seguido a través de conciertos, grabaciones, clases maestras, conferencias y otras actividades de difusión..." Read the full article on cronicadexalapa.com.mx.
"La Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston se encuentra de gira por la República Mexicana, y en su exitoso recorrido, se presenta hoy martes 17 de junio en el Foro Boca y el próximo jueves 19 en la Sala de Conciertos Tlaqná de la capital Xalapa. Bajo la dirección del maestro Benjamin Zander, la orquesta conformada por 120 músicos entre 12 y 21 años, llega al escenario de Boca del Río ofreciendo un magistral concierto en punto de las 20:00 horas..." Read the full article on imagendeveracruz.mx.
"Zander es fundador de la Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston, integrada por 120 músicos de entre 13 y 20 años, con quienes ofrecerá dos conciertos en Veracruz. La primera presentación será el 17 de junio a las 20 horas en Boca del Río, con un repertorio dedicado a Verdi, Dvořák y Stravinski. El costo será de 158 pesos. La segunda será el 19 de junio en la sala de conciertos Tlaqná, en Xalapa, con una obra de Mahler. Los boletos para esta fecha ya están agotados, ya que se trata de un evento gratuito." Read the article at oem.com.mx.
"Previo al concierto realizado en el Teatro del Bicentenario, el célebre director estadounidense, Benjamin Zander, ofreció una master class a los directores Enrique Eskeda de la Filarmónica de León; Adalberto Tovar, de la Banda de Música del Estado; y César Uriel Hernández, de la Orquesta Filarmónical Julián Carrillo, de la CDMX." -Marcela Aguiñaga Rodríguez. Read the full article on AM.com.mx.
AM: Emociona en León la Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston con Mahler
"León, Guanajuato.- La Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston (BPYO) debutó en México con rotundo éxito: la energía de sus músicos y la dirección apasionada de Benjamin Zander conquistaron al público del Teatro del Bicentenario Roberto Plasencia Saldaña la noche del sábado 14 de junio, en León." -Luis Alberto Lerma Carmona. Read the article on AM.com.mx.
El Aguijón Político: La Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston inicia en León su primera gira por México (PDF). Read on El Aguijón Político.com
PERIÓDICO AM IMPRESO (PDF): Arranca en Le6n su gira riaci0nal
El Vespertino: Orquesta Juvenil de Boston se presentará por primera vez en México (PDF)
Quadratín Bajío: Ministry of Culture welcomes the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (English PDF)
"LEÓN, Gto., May 30, 2025.- Culture is heritage and identity, and the exchange between towns and cities enriches, which is why the Ministry of Culture of Guanajuato is celebrating with the visit of the renowned Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, which will offer a concert for the first time in Mexico on June 14 at the Roberto Plasencia Saldaña Bicentennial Theater, as part of its inaugural tour of the country. The orchestra will be conducted by the renowned maestro Benjamin Zander, a key figure in the interpretation of symphonic repertoire from the 19th and 20th centuries." -Editorial/Quadratín Bajío. Read the article on Quadratín Bajío.com.mx
RADIO UNIVERSIDAD GUANAJUATO: Radio Audio Interview from Leon (In Spanish)
TV GUANAJUATO on Facebook- Video Interview (fast forward to 8:54 through 33:20 -in Spanish)
AM: Brindará Orquesta de Boston una experiencia inolvidable en el Teatro del Bicentenario
"Benjamin Zander, director de la Orquesta de Boston, en entrevista para el periódico AM, compartió sus impresiones por su próxima visita a la ciudad de León y el Teatro del Bicentenario, en lo que prometió será una noche llena de energía, pasión y entrega." José Luis Miranda, Read the article on AM.com.mx
""The reason we came to León is because when we were designing the tour for Mexico, they recommended this city to us, and especially the hall (referring to the Teatro del Bicentenario), since for it to sound good, we need two things, a large hall and perfect acoustics, plus they told us that the audience is warm, that they love music and are willing to come hear Mozart's sixth symphony, so we didn't hesitate to be there,” its director, Maestro Benjamin Zander, told us in an interview via Zoom." -Betzabé Cruz, Read the article on Heraldoleonmx (Espanol).
"Este fin de semana se presentará en León la Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Boston en un espectáculo sin precedentes en el Teatro del Bicentenario" -Ana Ortegoza, Read the full article on PeriodicoCorrero.com.mx
Boston Musical Intelligencer: BPYO Ready For Its Tour
"Sadie Goodman’s Syrinx-like flute, seemingly calling “Let there be light,” met with subtle yet intense affirmation from the shimmering winds and strings as the sun rose higher and hotter on Debussy’s Faun. Great solos from all the section leaders almost concertoed Zander’s slow and erotic build of this world-changing masterpiece." -Lee Eiseman, Read the full review on classical-scene.com.
Boston Classical Review: Zander, Boston Phil Youth Orchestra wrap season with soulful music
"Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun. In more than a few regards, this interpretation—plush, languorous, and texturally lucid—anticipated both the Rachmaninoff and Walton selections. Ensemble solos, highlighted by turns from principal flute Sadie Goodman and concertmaster Michael Fisher, were of the highest order." -Jonathan Blumhofer, Read the full review on BostonClassicalReview.com.
Sampan: Cellist Leland Ko plays at Symphony Hall
Boston-based cellist Leland Ko, age 26, will take center stage at Symphony Hall at the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s closing concert on May 1, at 8 p.m., performing as soloist forWalton’s Cello Concerto"
Weston Owl: Leland Ko, WHS '16, Performs Walton's Cello Concerto at Symphony Hall -May 1
"Leland Ko, WHS ’16, is back in town for what promises to be another spectacular performance – this time on May 1 at 8 pm at Symphony Hall." -Weston Owl
WBUR Spring Arts Preview: A guide to Greater Boston's bounty of spring classical music events
"May 1: Zander’s remarkable Youth Philharmonic offers a varied program of Debussy’s seductive “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun,” Walton’s Cello Concerto with recent Montreal competition winner (and YPO graduate) Leland Ko, and Rachmaninoff’s long-winded Symphony No. 2 (May 1)." -Lloyd Schwartz, Read the full article on WBUR.org.
The Boston Musical Intelligencer: Zander and the BPYO knockout Mahler 6th
"there was a lot this Mahler Sixth did solve. The 132 musicians ages 13–21 Zander put on the Symphony Hall stage played with discipline, perception, and passion. Instruments whose sound is essential to this symphony — snare drum, cymbals, xylophone, triangle, celesta, cowbells, and, in the Finale, rute — got room to shine. Balance was exemplary, articulation crisp; where the symphony had to roar, it roared. The Allegro’s exposition featured a superb trumpet solo from Sebastián Haros that ushered in an afternoon of solo treats. In the “Naturlaut” development section alone: oboe (Abby Hope-Hull, substituting on short notice), bass clarinet (Maxwell Reed), celesta (Julian Dürr), bassoon (Andrew Salaru), and the duet of French horn (Mauricio Martinez) and violin (Michael Fisher). Tuba (Hayden Silvester) in the Scherzo, and then clarinet (Cole Turkel) and contrabassoon (Alex Weber) in the coda. Cor anglais (Christian Paniagua) in the second subject of the Andante; flute (Anna Ridenour) in the coda. All three hammer blows in the Finale, and the coda’s parade of trombones (Devin Drinan, Allie Klaire Ledbetter, Collin Good, and Cole MacEwen). And more where all that came from." -Jeffrey Gantz. Read the full review on classical-scene.com.
"To be sure, the BPYO’s was a performance in which one could fully appreciate the 80-minute score’s vitality. The orchestra’s playing teemed with defiant energy, from the taut tread of the first movement’s opening march to the big dynamic contrasts of the Scherzo and the remarkable play of character on display in its supercharged finale...The Allegro’s Alpine interlude shimmered, with pristine solos from concertmaster Michael Fisher, bass clarinetist Maxwell Reed, and principal horn Mauricio Martinez." -Jonathan Blumhofer, Read the full review at BostonClassicalReview.com.
The Patch: Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Performs Mahler Symphony No. 6
The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Benjamin Zander, performs one of the most challenging works in the orchestral repertoire. Often referred to as the “Tragic” symphony, Mahler’s Sixth is a powerful exploration of struggle and resilience. Performing it requires exceptional skill and immense emotional commitment.
After receiving critical acclaim for last season’s performances of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony in major European concert halls, the BPYO musicians are prepared to take on this equally formidable challenge.
The performance marks the second of three Mahler symphonies conducted by Zander within a span of two months. The ambitious undertaking of three Mahler symphonies in such a short time highlights Zander’s enduring passion and remarkable energy at age 86. Following the BPYO’s rendition of Symphony No. 6, the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra will conclude its season on April 18 with Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, featuring soprano Miah Persson and mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly.
For more info about the Boston Philharmonic visit https://www.bostonphil.org/concerts or call 617-236-0999. Read on The Patch.
Boston Classical Review: February 23 (Concert Listings)
Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Benjamin Zander, conductor
Mahler: Symphony No. 6
3 p.m. Symphony Hall
bostonphil.org. View on Boston Classical Review.com.
WBUR: A guide to Greater Boston's numerous winter classical music events
Boston Philharmonic Orchestra & Youth Orchestra
Symphony Hall | Feb. 16 & March 2
Benjamin Zander returns to his beloved Mahler with the most intimate and touching of Mahler’s symphonies, the Fourth, which concludes with one of the most literally heavenly pieces of music for soprano — a song describing everyday life in heaven. The wide-ranging British soprano Claire Booth is the vocal soloist, who will begin the concert with Richard Strauss’ late “Four Last Songs” — also heavenly, though in a more earthly way (Feb. 16). Zander leads more Mahler with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Symphony, this time the powerful and tragic Symphony No. 6 — a huge challenge for any player, but if any youth orchestra can pull it off, it’s this one (March 2)." -Lloyd Schwartz, Read the full article on WBUR.org.
Boston Musical Intelligencer: BPYO Electrifies and Blesses
“The famous English horn solo (which later became the latter-day spiritual “Goin’ Home”) moved us with its simplicity and absence of affectation, Dvořák’s beautiful music here being a lily that needs no gilding. When the muted strings later whispered the same melody, the effect was equally touching. Woodwind themes in the tonic minor seemed to wander poignantly, searchingly. After a shift back to major, a playful staccato theme on the oboe grew quickly to a climax, leading to a reprise of the English horn solo: the player displayed rather amazing breath control.” -Geoffrey Wieting. Read the full review on Classical-Scene.com.
Boston Classical Review: BPYO impressively handles the challenges of Dvořák and Stravinsky
"The BPYO showed excellent endurance and enormous focus in this difficult piece, which, as Zander pointed out, involves many performers playing instruments in unusual ways. The winds prevailed in an excellent introduction, with bassoon soloist Andrew Salaru, principal flutist Sadie Goodman, and principal oboist Victoria Solis trading the famous opening motif of the rite between them." -Katherine Horgan. Read the review in full on Boston Classical Review.com.
The Boston Globe: Fall Arts Preview: 90 Fun Things to Do in and Around Boston this Fall
BOSTON PHILHARMONIC At the first concert of the season, the letter of the day is “B,” as in Beethoven, Bartók, Brahms, — and also Braunstein, as in former Berliner Philharmoniker concertmaster and featured soloist Guy Braunstein (Oct. 20). The next month, there’s an all-British program of Purcell’s Chacony in G Minor, Elgar’s Cello Concerto with soloist Alexander Bailly, and Holst’s “The Planets”, with the Radcliffe Choral Society. The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s fall program pairs two large works from the turn of the 20th century; Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of
Spring” (Nov. 3). Benjamin Zander conducts all concerts. 617-236-0999, bostonphil.org -AZM.
Symphony.org: Boston Philharmonic Promotes Derek Beckvold to Managing Director
"The Boston Philharmonic, comprising the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO), has appointed Derek Beckvold as managing director. He succeeds Elisabeth Christensen, who was hired twelve years ago to help create the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The Boston Philharmonic was founded in 1979 by conductor Benjamin Zander, who continues as the organization’s artistic leader. Beckvold has been with the organization for nearly eight years, most recently as development officer and previously as education and community engagement manager. Beckvold is an arts administrator and musician who graduated from the New England Conservatory, plays several instruments, and has performed widely. At the Boston Philharmonic, he will oversee both orchestras, working with Zander and the Board of Directors. Members of the BPO include professionals, students, and amateur musicians. The BPYO, which is entering its 13th season, offers year-long, tuition-free orchestral and leadership training for musicians between the ages of 12 and 21, as well as the opportunity to go on tours and cultural exchanges." -Read the article on Symphony.org.
Supported in part by 
Copyright 2025 Boston Philharmonic Orchestra