“Wander Boston’s more diverse neighborhoods and you’re more likely to hear Beyoncé than Brahms or Drake than Dvorák,” writes William J. Kole in a Sunday (10/8) Associated Press article. “The Boston Symphony Orchestra says that’s about to change. Starting this month, the renowned orchestra is reaching out to Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and Dorchester … to get a better grasp of their musical roots and needs. Thomas Wilkins, the BSO’s youth and family concerts conductor, said the goal is ‘to build deep and meaningful relationships with people … alongside the rich cultural offerings of their unique neighborhoods.’ … It’s part of a growing trend of U.S. symphonies taking it to the streets. Florida’s Jacksonville Symphony, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and others are bringing the classics to audiences whose musical traditions have favored other genres. The ‘BSO in Residence’ initiative kicked off last weekend in Jamaica Plain with a free outdoor concert … followed by a question-and-answer session at Margarita Muniz Academy, a dual English-Spanish language high school. Next up: appearances and workshops at other schools to give young Bostonians of color a chance to meet and play with key orchestra members.”
Posted October 12, 2017
Pictured: Boston Symphony Orchestra Youth and Family Concerts Conductor Thomas Wilkins leads a October 1 “BSO in Residence” concert in Jamaica Plain. Photo by Aram Boghosian
