The 2015/2016 season was the most thrilling season to date for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Sold out concerts, critical acclaim, and successful education outreach programs all contributed to making the season shine. Take a look at some of the words of praise about both ensembles this season, and we hope you join us next season. Opportunities abound with the BPO: come to a concert, tell a friend about the orchestras, or support our arts education programs. You won't want to miss one note!
"This is an impressive orchestra...That they are so is as much a testament to the impressive abilities of the individual players as it is to Zander’s extraordinary ability to draw forth the best."
ArtsFuse
"A rare Boston treat...the orchestra’s sound...was broad, warm, and full"
The Boston Globe
"Based on the Boston Philharmonic’s spirited playing throughout the night, and the audience’s response, it seemed clear that Zander has indeed been kindling new passions for Wagner — on both sides of the footlights"
The Boston Globe
"The biggest takeaway from the evening was the superb quality of the BPO’s playing: each of the orchestra’s readings were rhythmically alert, emotionally vivid, and glossed with high polish."
ArtsFuse
"The great discovery in this performance came in the fourth movement. The rapid tempo...gave it a wild vitality and urgency, confronting us with a future that is already present, to be seized like a tide of possibilities."
Boston Musical Intelligencer
"There was a welcome immediacy and a physical force to much of the playing...the power of the orchestra’s reading was visceral"
ArtsFuse
"Zander created a feeling of suspense and sonic space."
Boston Classical Review
"It was something miraculous when the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra sprang like Minerva from the head of Benjamin Zander a scant three-and-a-half years ago. Now our expectation that this fully fledged orchestra will continue to produce concerts at the highest level constitutes the latest iteration of the miracle."
Boston Musical Intelligencer
"The BPYO showed heart, sinew, and brain as they responded to [Zander's] deep understanding of a work he has lived with ...and once more into the lives of his players, votaries, and us grateful auditioners."
Boston Musical Intelligencer
"Four years ago, Benjamin Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and in only a short period of time, the ensemble...has become one of the best youth orchestras in the Boston area."
Boston Classical Review
"Zander led with deliberate gestures to draw a finely detailed and spacious performance."
Boston Classical Review
“It is my pleasure to report that the BPYO outing...satisfied me more fully than any other orchestral concert I have heard all season.”
Boston Musical Intelligencer