Performances + Events
Free, Family-Friendly Concert on May 16 to Feature NEC Prep’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra at DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell
Today, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and New England Conservatory (NEC) announced the inaugural Concert for the City, which will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 4 p.m., at the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Edward A. Hatch Memorial Shell. This free concert will feature NEC Prep’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO) in a festive, family-friendly performance celebrating NEC Prep’s 75th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.
“The Concert for the City is a wonderful opportunity that will showcase the incredible talents of our local young musicians to residents and families — free of charge — through New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “As part of our ongoing work to engage young people and connect families to Boston’s world-class cultural institutions, we’re grateful to New England Conservatory for their partnership and encourage everyone to attend this special experience.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Boston to host a free, family-friendly concert headlined by our talented young musicians and to share more of what New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School has to offer all residents in every community,” said New England Conservatory President Andrea Kalyn. “As NEC Prep celebrates 75 years of shaping musical artistry, we look forward to introducing more residents to our inspiring young performers at one of Boston’s most treasured concert venues.”
Led by conductor Juliano Aniceto, Director of NEC Prep’s orchestras, the performance will highlight many of the diverse musical traditions that have shaped our nation’s shared culture. The Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO) is the premier orchestra of NEC Prep — New England Conservatory’s pre-college division — and is comprised of accomplished young musicians between the ages of 12 and 18 who are selected annually from more 400 applicants. YPO performs concerts in renowned concert halls worldwide.
Under Mayor Michelle Wu, ​​NEC and the City of Boston have partnered on several initiatives to support music education and to increase access and opportunity for children, particularly in underrepresented communities. This includes announcing a nearly $15 million grant and scholarship program to expand early childhood education programming for Ellis Early Learning and ABCD Head Start in Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, and the South End, and a free music education summer program called Everyone Can Make Music to support all Boston students in grades 3-5.
Since its founding in 1867, NEC has been a cornerstone of Boston’s vibrant arts community. The Conservatory’s Prep School, established in 1950, has for generations been a leader in youth music education. NEC Prep offers comprehensive musical training in Boston on most Saturdays during the academic year. It features a wide range of ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra x New England Conservatory Honors Children’s Choir, Youth Chorale, chamber music, and various orchestras, alongside private lessons, music theory, and a Little Penguins Prep Chorus for children ages 4-6. Representatives from NEC’s Expanded Education division will be available at the concert to answer your questions about classes, ensembles, and private lessons for all ages.
Watch (below) NEC President Andrea Kalyn and NEC Prep’s Director of Orchestras, Juliano Aniceto, talk about the Concert for the City on WGBH’s The Culture Show, read more about the family-friendly program, and reserve your free tickets today!
