On March 15, 2025, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) proudly opened the doors of its new home—the BYSO Youth Center for Music—to the public for one of the first times. Located in the heart of Boston, directly across from the iconic Symphony Hall, this vibrant new space has already become a vital hub for more than 500 talented young musicians who call BYSO their musical home.

Although the Youth Center opened internally to students in March 2024, the 67th BYSO season marked the first full year of its use by our orchestras. Designed to meet the unique needs of a youth music program, this architecturally striking building stands as a beacon for the arts and a testament to the power of youth, creativity, and community.

Spring Fanfare: A Day of Music, Discovery, and Connection

Our inaugural Spring Fanfare was an unforgettable afternoon filled with music, joy, and celebration. It was created to welcome the broader community into our new space and showcase everything that makes BYSO such a special organization.

Music and community stood strongly at the center of the entire event. Throughout the day, guests had the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of performances by BYSO students, interact with instruments, and learn more about our programming and mission. The event embodied our core values—education, inclusion, and musical excellence—while offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the daily magic that happens at BYSO.

Performances That Inspire

Guests were treated to a series of chamber music performances by BYSO students in the beautiful Catherine Weiskel and Federico Cortese Auditorium. Whether it was their first time hearing BYSO musicians or their fiftieth, attendees were moved by the passion, talent, and discipline on display. These performances captured the spirit of BYSO and left a lasting impression on all who were there.

Hands-On Musical Exploration

Spring Fanfare was more than just a concert—it was an interactive experience. Visitors of all ages were invited to explore the world of music through several immersive activities:

• Percussion Playground: Led by two of our exceptional BYSO percussionists, this hands-on area allowed guests to try a variety of percussion instruments generously donated by Zildjian. With shakers and tambourines to take home, the space was alive with rhythm, laughter, and community spirit.
• Instrument Demonstrations: In BYSO’s sunlit practice rooms overlooking the Christian Science Plaza, guests interacted directly with musicians and their instruments. Attendees could ask questions, request songs, and even handle some of the instruments, making the experience truly personal and engaging.
• Baby Violins for Kids: One of the most popular features of the day, our “baby violins” gave young visitors the chance to hold, play, and learn from BYSO musicians—many of whom are not much older themselves. These moments of peer-to-peer mentorship sparked curiosity and excitement in the next generation of young performers.

Highlights from Our Programs

Spring Fanfare also offered a preview of some of BYSO’s specialized programs:

• Dalcroze Eurhythmics Workshop: Families participated in a dynamic session introducing this unique approach to learning music through movement. It served as a sneak peek into our upcoming summer workshops.
• Intensive Community Program (ICP) Info Session: Designed to broaden access to high-quality musical training, the ICP held an information session featuring live student performances and a presentation by program leaders. With recruitment around the corner, it was a valuable opportunity for families to learn more.

A Grateful Note

Spring Fanfare would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community. We extend our deepest thanks to all who attended and helped us celebrate this milestone.

A special thank-you goes to the dedicated volunteers from State Street Global Advisors, whose behind-the-scenes contributions—from setting up performance areas to organizing interactive stations—were critical to the event’s success. Their commitment exemplifies the power of corporate-community partnerships in advancing youth arts education.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Music

BYSO welcomes corporate sponsors who share our belief in the transformative power of music and youth. Partners enjoy exclusive benefits, including brand visibility, employee engagement opportunities, and direct impact on Boston’s vibrant arts scene.

To learn more about how your organization can support BYSO, please contact Anneliese Anderson at aanders6@bu.edu.