The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra

Specialties

The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1979 by Maestro Benjamin Zander. The BPO features a unique combination of musicians: 50% professionals, 25% students and 25% community members. This mix of players provides an invigorating, inspirational and educational environment for the musicians as well as the audience. The BPO plays music of the Romantic genre, primarily from the 19^th century and is known for performing the works of Gustav Mahler.

The Boston Philharmonic works diligently to break down any real or perceived boundaries between performers and the audience through three unique programs: the Thursday night Discovery Series program, the musician sponsorship program and our pre-​concert talks.

History

Established in 1979.

In 1979, ninety-​six enthusiastic players, amateurs, students, and professionals and a dynamic and probing conductor named Benjamin Zander joined together to found the Boston Philharmonic. Today, the musicians represent the original spirited blend, and account for the passion, high level of participation, and technical accomplishment for which this ensemble is celebrated. The professionals maintain the highest standard, the students keep the focus on training and education, and the gifted amateurs-​including doctors, lawyers, teachers, and computer programmers-​remind everybody that music-​making is an expression of enthusiasm and love.

The Boston Philharmonic message rings loud and clear– music making is a privilege and a joy, and above all, a collaborative adventure. The orchestra’s season includes performances at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University and often Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall.

Meet the Business Owner

Benjamin Z.

Business Owner

Music was Benjamin Zander’s life at a very early age. When Zander was 9 he was already composing and by 12 he was studying under Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst. After completing his degree at London University, he went to the United States on a Harkness Fellowship and has made his home in Boston ever since. There, as conductor of the Boston Philharmonic since its formation in 1978, and a guest conductor of numerous orchestras, he has become the centre of an intense, at times almost cult-​like following. In his case, however, the followers are not starry-​eyed acolytes, but rather some of the most well-​informed musical intellectuals in America. For nearly thirty years, beginning with Michael Steinberg’s passionate advocacy on his behalf in the pages of the Boston Globe, critics and public have been united in their praise of Mr. Zander’s interpretations of the central repertory.