2022-2023 BSO Annual Report
Gather
A Welcome Space for All
This season, the BSO performed two deeply impactful sensory-friendly concerts for audience members with autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities. Every detail of these musical gatherings was carefully considered to shape a welcoming and inclusive environment. From adjusting lights and sound levels, to offering live feeds in support rooms, we worked to create a space where every concertgoer felt at home. With heartfelt donor support, these concerts were and continue to be carefully curated so all can enjoy the transformative power of music in community. “Everyone kept expressing how this day was all about children and adults with special needs—and it was,” said one parent in attendance. “It was absolutely perfect.”
The Healing Power of Community and Music
Early in the season, Resident Fellows Leonardo Vásquez Chacón (viola) and Andres Vela (double bass) and members of the BSO performed a chamber orchestra concert at Jeremiah Burke High School in Dorchester, where a student had tragically been shot at the start of the school year. Seeing more than 300 students and community members in attendance, Principal Amilcar Silva reflected on the power of music to bring people together in healing and create a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of students and teachers. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the BSO,” said Mr. Silva. “This is such a gift to our school and community.”
The Healing Power of Community and Music
Early in the season, Resident Fellows Leonardo Vásquez Chacón (viola) and Andres Vela (double bass) and members of the BSO performed a chamber orchestra concert at Jeremiah Burke High School in Dorchester, where a student had tragically been shot at the start of the school year. Seeing more than 300 students and community members in attendance, Principal Amilcar Silva reflected on the power of music to bring people together in healing and create a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of students and teachers. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the BSO,” said Mr. Silva. “This is such a gift to our school and community.”
Immersive Learning Experience for Local Schools
In 2022-2023, Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor Thomas Wilkins continued the youth concert program celebrating curiosity and creativity. With six youth concerts and more than 6,000 young people from across New England in attendance, Wilkins directly engaged with audiences from the podium, providing insights between pieces and answering questions to enhance their understanding of the music. Thanks to generous support from Bank of America and other donors, students from Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and East Boston were immersed in the youth concert experience at Symphony Hall at no cost. "Watching their faces as they walked into Symphony Hall and listened to the music was amazing,” said one local teacher.
Concert for the City Returns
On May 7th, the BSO opened our doors for a second Concert for the City, presented thanks to the Li-Qiu Family Foundation. Maestros Andris Nelsons and Keith Lockhart led works that spanned genres, including compositions by John Williams, George Whitefield Chadwick, Florence Price, Valerie Coleman, Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, and the Dropkick Murphys. Mayor Michelle Wu added yet another “first” to her resume by becoming the first sitting mayor to perform as a featured soloist with the BSO, delivering an impressive rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. In true Boston fashion, the evening ended with a rousing singalong to “Sweet Caroline.” Before the main performance, visitors of all ages were invited into the Instrument Playground, where they could touch and experiment with orchestral instruments. The day featured performances by local groups, including the Berklee Chinese Traditional Music Club, DEAFinitely, and OrigiNation. Mayor Wu reflected: “The power of how people felt connected in Symphony Hall today, hanging on every note—that’s a model for how we want our community to be, day in and day out, in this city.” The success of the concert in reaching new audiences, igniting a sense of civic pride, and fostering inclusivity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of cultural leaders, community partners, and the generous support of the Li-Qiu Family Foundation.
Concert for the City Returns
On May 7th, the BSO opened our doors for a second Concert for the City, presented thanks to the Li-Qiu Family Foundation. Maestros Andris Nelsons and Keith Lockhart led works that spanned genres, including compositions by John Williams, George Whitefield Chadwick, Florence Price, Valerie Coleman, Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, and the Dropkick Murphys. Mayor Michelle Wu added yet another “first” to her resume by becoming the first sitting mayor to perform as a featured soloist with the BSO, delivering an impressive rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. In true Boston fashion, the evening ended with a rousing singalong to “Sweet Caroline.” Before the main performance, visitors of all ages were invited into the Instrument Playground, where they could touch and experiment with orchestral instruments. The day featured performances by local groups, including the Berklee Chinese Traditional Music Club, DEAFinitely, and OrigiNation. Mayor Wu reflected: “The power of how people felt connected in Symphony Hall today, hanging on every note—that’s a model for how we want our community to be, day in and day out, in this city.” The success of the concert in reaching new audiences, igniting a sense of civic pride, and fostering inclusivity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of cultural leaders, community partners, and the generous support of the Li-Qiu Family Foundation.
Festive Fundraising Galas
Throughout the year, the BSO, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood held four flagship fundraising galas to support the organization's music-making mission. The flagship events – A Company Celebration at Pops, Opening Night at Symphony, BSO Spring Gala, and BSO Summer Celebration at Tanglewood – each featured their own special theme and flair, and were driven by dedicated committees who helped bring the events to life. In addition to raising vital funding for the organization, the galas presented a wonderful chance to recognize the generosity and commitment of our wonderful donors and honor our growing community partnerships.
Future Luminaries Light Up the Stage
Now in its 15th year, the Fidelity Investments Young Artists Competition gives teens from across Massachusetts an unmatched opportunity to elevate their craft and take the stage at Symphony Hall. In 2023, nearly 100 young musicians applied, resulting in a talent pool impressive enough to warrant the selection of five winners, instead of the usual four: William Ge (piano), Jack Haroutunian (voice), Simona Karadoneva (voice), Brian Lee (cello), and Aika Oki (violin). The winners earned the rare opportunity to perform on stage at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood alongside Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops, and homegrown indie band darling Guster.
“Singing with the Boston Pops is just incredible,” said Simona, a Newton North High School student. “I don’t think younger me could have even imagined this.” Simona and her fellow winners honed their skills through one-on-one coaching with renowned musicians, including Lockhart himself. The competition is open to musicians in any style and with any level of experience. “You definitely don’t have to have formal training,” explains Sam Liu, Associate Director of Corporate Sponsor Relations for the Boston Pops. “You just have to have talent and the willingness to apply and compete.”
“Impacting people from the stage in the same way I’ve been impacted by other musicians feels otherworldly. I'm so grateful."
- Jack, a Billerica Memorial High School student
