A Historic Final Season

Ben's Message to the Musicians: 

Dear members of the Boston Philharmonic,

In the coming days, you will see the news (reflected in the attached press release) that the 2026-2027 will be the last for both the BPO and BPYO. This decision has been long in the making and there is nothing to add to the release.

However, I wanted to tell all of you that my heart is full of admiration and gratitude for all that we have accomplished and experienced together over the past 47 years for the BPO and 14 for the BPYO. You have been my life for all this time and I treasure beyond words the musical and human experiences that we have shared. No one can quite explain what it has all been about - music is elusive that way, but I think we all know that whether it is in the towering crescendos in Bruckner, or the lapping of waves in La Mer, the stern polyphony of Brahms or the tenderness or storms in Mahler, that life is fully expressed through great music. I think we know that we hold memories that will never be surpassed and though we must inevitably feel sad at the ending of a great institutional journey, the memories that we share will be more nourishing than the sense of loss.

I have immersed myself in our work together and I hold dear my relationships with each one of you. What has characterized your approach to life, whether as a member of the BPO or the BPYO, is the same - devotion, passion, commitment, engagement, integrity, and above all love. Love for the art itself and for the impact it makes in our own lives and the lives of those for whom we perform. I do not think it could have been any better and I will hold the memories of our musical journey close to my heart for the rest of my life.

The remainder of this season and next season will be filled with celebration and joy. This June 2026 BPYO will make its first tour to China and Japan. Next season, in 2026-27 we will revisit some of the works that most fully represent what we are about - works that have been like pillars of our organization: with BPO, Beethoven 9 and Mahler 9 (which led to the formation of the BPO 47 years ago), and Mahler 2 with the BPYO, with which we will return for a final tour to Europe in June 2027.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Warmest wishes,
Ben Zander