The Boston Symphony Orchestra recently launched a new program to engage the community and chose Jamaica Plain as the first neighborhood to benefit from it. The BSO celebrated its "BSO in Residence" program with a popup concert at the Loring-Greenough House on Sept. 28th and a public concert in Franklin Park on Oct. 1st.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Wilkins, BSO Youth and Family Concerts Conductor
Through the program the BSO wants to"expand its reach beyond the walls of Symphony Hall and to "learn about (neighborhoods) cultural offerings and how the BSO might best share what it has to offer in return."
As part of the new program the BSO is doing several events in conjunction with the annual Jamaica Plain Lantern Parade (Oct. 21st and 22nd). On Oct. 22nd, a BSO chamber group will perform at the Curley School, followed by Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra musician performances around Jamaica Pond from 6 to 7 pm.
The BSO in Residence program in Jamaica Plain will begin with an initial three-year period and was developed from a year-long strategic planning process that includes in community leaders.
"This partnership has brought together representatives from a wide variety of public, private, and non-profit organizations in JP, as well as artists and music lovers," said Femke Rosenbaum, a community leader who helped to create the program. "The BSO offers many resources and has already implemented ideas that have come from the group, such as a trip to Tanglewood and Pop Up concerts at JP events. Together with the BSO, we hope to enrich the cultural life of our whole community, in the streets, at halls and centers, in the schools, during events, and more."
In November, BSO musicians will perform a "Concerts for Very Young People" at one of the Jamaica Plain branch libraries (specific date and time to be announced). The BSO in Residence program will also present a holiday event in Jamaica Plain such as caroling, a holiday stroll or tree lighting ceremony.
Also, as part of the program all high school students in Jamaica Plain will be offered a free BSO High School Card, which gives students access to multiple BSO concerts at Symphony Hall throughout the year at no cost.