Israel Anselme ’23 and Moussa Gueye ’23: Returning and Reflecting
At Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, we believe everyone deserves the right to play. For almost 30 years, BYSO’s Intensive Community Program has existed to break through financial and cultural accessibility barriers that prevent students from underrepresented communities from accessing classical music education and training. Through weekly lessons, customized instruction, and opportunities to mentor, teach, and […]
Ariel Friedman ’04: Musicianship and Motherhood
Ari and Mia Friedman “That high level of rehearsal and performance was really special. There were moments that were grueling, but it was so rewarding overall.” – Ariel Friedman, 04 Growing up in Newton as part of a musical household, auditioning for (G)BYSO in middle school was not only a natural step for Ariel, but […]
Increasing My Impact for Future Generations: Caro Pinto, Rabin Society Member
“I want future generations to have what I had, and planned giving felt simple. It was a way to make sure what I’m building now can have a bigger impact in the future.” – Caro Pinto, ‘00 For Caro Pinto, a 2000 alum, BYSO was about more than music from the very beginning–it was about […]
Dacha Thurber ’20: Staying Connected, Passing It On
“Music isn’t invented by one person or one orchestra,” he says. “It gets passed along. And if I can continue that, that feels very special.” – Dacha Thurber, ‘20 When Dacha first picked up the violin, he wasn’t yet sure where music would take him, but he knew he wanted to make it with others. […]
Gabriel Lefkowitz ’05: Leading Louisville Youth Orchestra
“Being a part of BYSO, for me, meant having the privilege of making music with other likeminded people, with a staff that held us to really high standards and cared so deeply about the educational experience and providing the opportunity for young people to be artists.” – Gabe Lefkowitz, ‘05 Last month, Gabe Lefkowitz ’05 […]
Sammy Andonian ’16: From BYSO to BSO
“The experience I gained in BYSO gave me the confidence to know that I’m well-equipped with skills as an orchestral musician. And it’s not by accident, but it’s because of years and years of rehearsing every Sunday” – Sammy Andonian ‘16 BYSO is so pleased to have a longstanding partnership with Boston Symphony Orchestra, BYSO/BSO: […]
Eran Egozy ’89, BYSO’s Capital Campaign Chair
Eran Egozy ’89 on Making the BYSO Youth Center for Music a Reality “I want to give everyone the opportunity to contribute to this project—to be able to say, ‘I helped make that happen.’” – Eran Egozy ‘89 Over a decade ago, the idea of the BYSO Youth Center for Music sparked—with the understanding that […]
Caroline Reiner-Williams ’06
“Keep creating music because it will always be there for you.” – Caroline Reiner-Williams ‘06 As a BYSO parent and alumni, as well as the Program Director of the Joy of Music Program in Worcester, Caroline Reiner-Williams ’06 knows the life-changing impact of music education. From her experience playing in BYSO, watching her own kids excel […]
Kevin Chen ’11
“I recognized that I got so much out of BYSO, and that’s why I wanted to give back this year. Hopefully, a lot of people feel that way, and I think they do.” – Kevin Chen ‘11 Looking back on his time playing viola in BYSO, Kevin Chen ’11 recognizes everything the experience brought […]
Diane Nicholeris ’78
“The conductors, coaches, management, and administrative staff are 100% geared towards the students and making this experience meaningful to them. The standards are never compromised.” – Diane Nicholeris ’78 Taking the stage at Sanders Theatre for BYS and REP’s Opening Concert last month, Diane Nicholeris felt excited, sentimental, and nervous all at once. The momentum […]