On October 13, 2025, in partnership with the Fenway Alliance, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) was proud to welcome the community into its new home—the BYSO Youth Center for Music—for the 24th annual Opening Our Doors day.
Although the day was clouded by rain, the event was vibrant and full of energy, featuring speakers and performers such as the Boston Poet Laureate, BYSO’s Honors Chamber Group, New England Conservatory Prep’s Honors Woodwind Quintet, Boston Children’s Chorus, Handel and Haydn Teen Chorus and Eon Dance Troupe. Following the opening ceremony, BYSO programming included tours of the Youth Center for Music, a fireside chat with the Honors Chamber Group, and an instrument playground where children and adults alike could try their hand at strings, brass, and woodwinds.
BYSO was honored to host Mayor Michelle Wu, Senator William Brownsberger, Councilor Sharon Durkan, representatives from the Mass Cultural Council and the Boston Cultural Council, along with friends and families from across the city. A true highlight of the day was an impromptu jam session between BYSO’s Honors Chamber Group and Mayor Wu. After the opening ceremonies and photo opportunities, Mayor Wu took to the piano to perform Saint-Saëns’s The Swan, demonstrating her personal connection to and support for the performing arts. As she played, the Honors Chamber Group joined in, creating a spontaneous and inspiring collaboration.
This extraordinary moment captured the dedication, passion, and sense of community that the arts ignite in all of us. In the spirit of Opening Our Doors, the day beautifully united our community in celebrating the power of connection and creativity through free cultural experiences.