Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras

In 1958, under the founding music director, Prof. Marvin Rabin, the Boston University College of Fine Arts established a youth orchestra for junior and senior high school students from the Greater Boston area. The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO), formerly known as the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, has flourished over the past 60 years, impacting the lives of thousands of young musicians. BYSO members have experienced countless unforgettable moments, including performances at the White House, Carnegie Hall, and renowned concert venues across the world. Today, under the musical leadership of Federico Cortese, BYSO serves 500 students from over 120 communities throughout New England. BYSO is one of Boston’s most prestigious arts organizations, with a programmatic scope that 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 outreach program that provides rigorous instrument instruction to students from underrepresented communities. In 2008, BYSO established an opera program that has become an integral part of the season repertoire. BYSO has selected images from its extensive archives to exhibit its rich history.