Me2/Orchestra Launches New Ensemble in Jamaica Plain

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Me2/Orchestra rehearses in Burlington, VT in September 2013 (photo credit: John Siddle)

Me2/ORCHESTRA LAUNCHES NEW ENSEMBLE IN BOSTON
Unique orchestra is designed for individuals with mental illnesses and people who support them

BURLINGTON, Vermont – Tuesday, September 9, 2014 – Me2/Orchestra is the world’s only classical music ensemble created for individuals with mental illnesses and people who support them. The orchestra was launched in Burlington, Vermont in 2011 and now, in its fourth season, the organization will expand its reach with the launch of a new orchestra serving the greater Boston area.

“Me2/Orchestra–Boston” will rehearse weekly on Mondays from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Hope Central Church, 85 Seaverns Ave, in Jamaica Plain, MA. Participation is free and there is no audition required. Musicians ages 13 and older are encouraged to join. The first rehearsal takes place on Monday, September 22. Interested musicians can join the orchestra by simply emailing Me2/ at Me2orchestra@gmail.com or calling (802) 238-8369.

The Boston-based branch of Me2/Orchestra shares the mission of the greater organization, which is to provide exhilarating performances that erase the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. It is not necessary to have a mental illness in order to join the orchestra. The orchestra welcomes everyone, including patients, family members, friends, physicians, counselors, people recovering from addiction, and caregivers. Me2/Orchestra–Boston will be a multi-generational, inclusive group.

Ronald Braunstein is the Music Director and Conductor of Me2/Orchestra. Braunstein was awarded the Gold Medal in the Herbert von Karajan International Conducting Competition in 1979 and has conducted orchestras worldwide, including the Berlin Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Oslo Philharmonic, and Tokyo Symphony. Braunstein was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1985. He founded Me2/Orchestra because of his desire to support others who wish to maintain good mental health. His wife, Caroline Whiddon, launched the organization with him and serves as Me2/’s Executive Director.

For additional information, please visit Me2/Orchestra online at www.Me2orchestra.org.

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