Formed in 2012, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has already established itself as a significant feature in the cultural and educational fabric of Boston and beyond.

BPYO made its Carnegie Hall debut in December 2013. The New York Times review of that concert noted that the members of BPYO “play with a maturity and cohesion well beyond their years,” and described their performance of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony as “a brilliantly played, fervently felt account, enriched with silken strings, robust brass and eloquent solos.”

The inaugural 2012-13 season of the BPYO culminated in a 5-city concert tour of the Netherlands, featuring a performance of Mahler’s Second Symphony in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. In the course of the 12-day tour, the orchestra received two superlative five-star reviews in national papers, collaborated with an orchestra of 600 12-year-olds, and was featured in the International Koorbiënnale Haarlem.

BPYO’s motto is “Shaping Future leaders through music.” Complementing their musical assignments, BPYO members receive weekly leadership assignments from Mr. Zander. The orchestra members carry on a dialogue with Mr. Zander through weekly “white sheets,” wherein they are invited to reflect on the leadership assignments, and offer feedback about the rehearsal process and their musical and life experiences. These conversations often lead to stimulating discussions on personal leadership and effective contribution.

BPYO members participate as musical mentors in the Crescendo! programs programs of the BPO, working with younger musicians in local schools and El Sistema-inspired programs. BPYO co-hosted the First Annual El Sistema Greater Boston showcase in 2013, which culminated in a side-by-side performance with musicians from BPYO and the Conservatory Lab Charter School.

The 120 members of the BPYO range in age from 12 to 21, and are chosen through a highly-selective audition process. They reside or attend school throughout New England, and come together on Saturday afternoons for sectionals and full orchestra rehearsals at the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, in Boston’s South End.