#bpyo

Next month, Classical Movements will present the 120-member Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra—led by guiding force Benjamin Zander—on a 15-day tour of Europe, performing Mahler's 9th for sold-out audiences in eight of that continent’s most gorgeous cities, most storied concert halls:

Berlin, Germany (Konzerthaus)

Jihlava, Czech Republic (Mahler Festival)

Prague, Czech Republic (Rudolfinum)

Salzburg, Austria (Mozarteum)

Budapest, Hungary (Bartók Hall)

Pécs, Hungary (Kodály Centre)

Vienna, Austria (Musikverein)

Maestro Benjamin Zander’s repertoire for the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s 2018 European tour—the orchestra’s fifth international concert tour—commemorates the 100th anniversary of the armistice of World War I, highlighting symphonic works at the dividing line between the Romantic and Modern eras. The program typifies the challenges that Zander (“one of the major Mahlerians of the day,” Boston Globe) sets before his Bostonians.

According to Zander: “The Ninth is Mahler’s final completed symphony, and it would be taxing even for a world-renowned orchestra. You might ask what on earth can they get out of playing such a complex and difficult piece, and the answer is everything. They are overwhelmed by the incredible beauty of one of the most touching and intricate pieces of music ever written.” 

In addition to the orchestra’s performance at the Gustav Mahler Festival in Jihlava, the historical border between Moravia and Bohemia, the BPYO will perform in cities of significance to Mahler’s life and career, including at the Konzerthaus in Berlin (Thurs, June 14), Rudolfinum in Prague (Mon, June 18), Mozarteum in Salzburg (Wed, June 20), Béla Bartók National Concert Hall in Budapest (Thurs, June 21), Zoltán Kodály Centre in Pécs (Fri, June 22), Musikverein in Vienna (Sun, June 24) and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (Tues, June 26). Along the way, these students from Massachusetts will have the opportunity for cultural exchanges with fellow young musicians and orchestral professionals alike.

Oh my gosh, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has their concert audio available to listen to! Awesome!