A 65-year legacy of excellence

The mission of BYSO is to encourage musical excellence in a professional and supportive environment by providing the highest quality orchestra training and performance opportunities to qualified musicians, grades K-12, and making its programs accessible to underserved communities through financial assistance and outreach.

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) is one of the most prestigious, comprehensive, and remarkable youth orchestras in the nation. Our iconic Youth Center for Music gives young musicians from every corner of Boston and beyond unconditional opportunities to be immersed in music training and performance at the highest level.

Our programmatic scope includes three full symphonic orchestras, two young string training orchestras, six chamber orchestras, a preparatory wind ensemble, a chamber music program, and a nationally recognized training program that provides rigorous instruction to students from underrepresented communities.

Together, we are makers of music, defenders of curiosity, and champions of courage. Through the brilliance of classical music and the gift of human connection, we celebrate the individual—both in standing out and finding one’s place in the composition of our world.