The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Tour to Europe
This 120-member orchestra of talented 12 to 21-year-olds—led by its co-founder and guiding force Benjamin Zander—embarked on a 15-day, multi-city tour. Read Maestro Benjamin Zander's Full South Africa Tour report complete with video and audio links here.
In fulfillment of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s motto of “Shaping Future Leaders through Music,” the 2023 tour featured performances throughout South Africa, and numerous opportunities to collaborate with local young musicians. The tour was arranged by the international tour management company, Classical Movements.
"One indispensable reason why we go on tour is to share our music beyond the Boston music scene. Every person in this world deserves to be able to go to concerts or surround themselves with music, and with our international tours, we have been able to expand that opportunity for countless individuals. We may be young people, but we have been given the chance to change the world with love, music, and possibility, and that is why our international tours are so important.“ —Emily Chen, BPYO alumna
"After being on tour, I see the world differently, and I firmly believe it’s because now, I always keep my head up…When you look up, you notice everything, every last detail. I’ve always looked at my shoes like I was carrying some kind of burden, but now I can’t stop looking up. I feel a little lighter, a little freer, a little more human." —Reese Williams, BPYO alumnus
Photos by Paul Mardy Photography & video by Dave Jamrog.