Boston Orchestra To Present YO-YO MA

"It is an incredible opportunity for me as an aspiring musician to play this amazing piece with one of the world's most accomplished cellists," said concertmaster Hillary Ditmars, a 12th grader at Westford Academy in Westford, Massachusetts. The entire orchestra is absolutely thrilled to have the chance to work with Yo-Yo Ma. I am honored to be the concertmaster, and I know it will be an unforgettable experience!"

BYS is the most advanced of four different orchestras that comprise the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. This 120-member ensemble is made up of students grades seven through 12 from all over New England. Boston Youth Symphony performs a wide range of demanding orchestral repertoire, conducted by Mr. Cortese.

This Gala event celebrates the BYSO's 50th Anniversary season and continued commitment to pursue musical excellence, and funds raised will support its endowment. The concert will also feature performances by BYSO's Young People's String Orchestra (YPSO) and Intensive Community Program (ICP), both conducted by Bonnie Black. YPSO focuses on major repertoire from the standard string orchestra literature and ICP provides rigorous string instrument instruction serving underrepresented youth in the region.

The Boston Youth Symphony concludes its Boston season on June 15 with the premiere of a BYSO-commissioned piece, Evening Prayer, by Robert Beaser, at Sanders Theatre, followed by its 19th international tour to perform by invitation at Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany, one of the finest concert halls in the world. -- www.bysoweb.org