Performances + Events
As part of the recently launched BSO x NEC Alliance, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and New England Conservatory are proud to announce the establishment of a new choral group, the BSO x NEC Honors Children’s Choir. The ensemble will offer singers ages 8 to 13 exceptional training through NEC’s Preparatory School and extraordinary opportunities to perform with the legendary BSO.
The BSO x NEC Honors Children’s Choir will perform in eight Holiday Pops Family Concerts with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops in December 2026 and in January 2027 will sing with Andris Nelsons and the BSO in two semi-staged performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades, among other substantial appearances.
“We’re thrilled to work with the BSO and choral partners across Boston to bring together exceptional young singers for unparalleled educational and performance opportunities,” Katherine Drago Luellen, NEC’s Chief Growth Officer said. “This is a powerful moment for collaboration across the Greater Boston musical community.”
Daniel Mallampalli, the BSO’s assistant vice president of artistic planning, said he’s excited about the level of training the program will provide. The Honors Children’s Choir will “uplift and enhance the choral community of Boston,” he said. “We are very excited to join forces with the Conservatory.”
NEC Prep Choruses
NEC Prep’s choral program, which includes the Little Penguins Prep Chorus, Children’s Choir, Chamber Chorus, and Youth Chorale, helps singers from Pre-K through high school develop their voices through rehearsals and performances alongside dedicated peers. For singers from other choral groups and organizations around Greater Boston, the new, tuition-free BSO x NEC Honors Children’s Choir, for singers ages 8 to 13, will serve as a supplemental experience.
Instrumental Ensembles at NEC Prep
Participation in NEC Prep ensembles empowers young musicians to explore and deepen their musicianship in a supportive, empowering atmosphere. From the Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS) to orchestras and wind, jazz, and Baroque ensembles, NEC Prep offers performance-based learning experiences that foster artistic development and meaningful collaboration. In this environment, and mentored by a world-class faculty, young musicians engage their musical curiosities and realize the potential of their artistic expression.
Open House and Choral Festival
Information sessions will be held as part of NEC’s Expanded Education Open House on April 11, which will also include open NEC Prep classes and orchestra rehearsals, Early Childhood Education and Contemporary Musical Arts demonstrations, arts and crafts, and performances. The Open House will also serve as an opportunity for students and families to meet NEC’s Expanded Education team.
In further celebration of the new BSO x NEC Honors Children’s Choir and choral activities at NEC, the Conservatory will host a two-day Choral Festival on May 29 and May 30 during which singers can participate in rehearsals and a performance and audition for the new choir.
Explore all opportunities at NEC Prep. The first application deadline, for CHIPS and large ensembles, is May 15. Apply today.
