Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras

The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) is one of the most prestigious youth orchestras in the nation. A nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming young lives through exceptional classical music education, BYSO offers world-class training and performance opportunities for nearly 600 musicians, ages four to 18, from Greater Boston and throughout New England. BYSO’s programs include three full symphonic orchestras, two string training orchestras, chamber ensembles, a preparatory wind ensemble, and the nationally acclaimed Intensive Community Program (ICP). ICP is a training program that provides rigorous music instruction to students from underrepresented communities with a 10-year pathway to artistic mastery through weekly lessons, instrument access, and financial aid. ICP students spend an average of 10 years with BYSO, and 95% of them audition into one of BYSO’s top two ensembles. All ICP graduates go on to enroll in a 4-year college or university. This commitment to access and equity has been central to BYSO’s mission since its inception, ensuring that high-quality classical music experiences are available to all.

BYSO is one of the only youth orchestras in the world to present a full-length opera production every year as an integral part of its season. Since 2008, the opera program has provided young musicians in the Boston Youth Symphony (BYS, the top orchestra) an invaluable musical and intellectual experience in the training, understanding, and appreciation of the full range of classical repertoire. Lead roles are sung by top international artists, and the 1000+ seat performance venue sells out every year. BYSO has also performed in iconic venues such as Boston Symphony Hall and other significant cultural venues in Boston and Europe over the last 67 years, including international stages like the Mozarteum in Salzburg and Vienna’s Stephansdom.

Founded in 1958, BYSO has grown into a global leader in classical music education. The 2024 opening of the BYSO Youth Center for Music (YCM) marks a transformative milestone, providing the first permanent home for its programs and advancing its mission. YCM, located at 235 Huntington Avenue, is a beacon of Boston’s commitment to the arts and children, offering state-of-the-art facilities and expanded rehearsal spaces. The development of YCM is being executed in two phases, each designed to address critical needs and expand BYSO’s reach.

Phase One (2020–2024): Establishing a Permanent Home

Phase One focused on securing BYSO’s future by acquiring a long-term lease for 235 Huntington Avenue, an iconic building in the Back Bay neighborhood. Phase One successfully concluded by:

• Establishing BYSO’s home on the highly visible, historic landmark plaza, across from Symphony Hall.
• Creating a permanent home for the ICP by housing its full programs, including weekly lessons and ensembles.
• Providing BYSO with additional rehearsal space for its growing orchestras, thereby alleviating the need for more practice space under its current partnership with Boston University.
• Expanding educational opportunities and weekday programming for all students.
• With a total cost of $26 million, raised by October 2024, Phase One represents a significant achievement in BYSO’s history, establishing the foundation for an ambitious future vision.

Phase Two (by 2031): Expanding for the Future

Phase Two will build on the success of Phase One by addressing BYSO’s long-term needs and aspirations. Plans include a three-story addition to the existing building, further renovations to YCM to enhance functionality, and a substantial expansion of the endowment.
Key goals include:

• Centralizing programming at the YCM, eliminating reliance on Boston University facilities.
• Expanding ICP by 100% over 10 years to 200 students.
• Adding new orchestras and ensembles to meet demand for BYSO programs.
• Growing weekday programming for BYSO students and the broader Boston community.
• Creating meaningful partnerships with other Boston organizations to enhance the lives of children and families through the power of music.

The BYSO Team and Financial Overview

Federico Cortese assumed the post of Music Director of the BYSO in 1999. He has conducted symphony and opera orchestras throughout the United States, Australia, China, and Europe. He is also the Music Director of the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra and Senior Lecturer on Music at Harvard University. From 1998–2002 he served as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa.

In January 2025, BYSO announced the retirement of its current President & CEO, Catherine Weiskel, after 28 years of extraordinary service and leadership. Catherine has been a driving force behind the organization’s remarkable growth and impact. In partnership with Music Director Federico Cortese, the organization significantly increased the number and diversity of children involved, expanded its annual operating budget, and established itself as a cornerstone of music education in Boston and beyond.

BYSO has a 27-member Board of Directors, led by Margaret Chen, as well as an Advisory Board and BYSO Council. The President & CEO oversees approximately 18 administrative staff and the Music Director supervises eight artistic team members.

BYSO values fiscal sustainability. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, BYSO anticipates total revenues of approximately $5.1 million with $3.2 million from program services and $1.9 million from contributions and grants. BYSO is grateful to the generosity of its many donors and has a restricted endowment that exceeds $13 million, plus cash reserves in preparation for a sizable Phase Two integrated capital, endowment, and operating campaign.