2. The Boston
Youth
Symphony
Orchestras
An entrepreneur with more than 25 years’ experience in the
energy sector, Wael Almazeedi co-founded the FATE (Free
Access To Energy) Consortium, an international organization
dedicated to creating collaborative platforms worldwide to
address energy challenges worldwide. Headquartered in
Boston, the FATE Consortium has been a sponsor of the
Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO); and Wael
Almazeedi has previously held a seat on the BYSO’s board of
directors.
3. The Boston
Youth
Symphony
Orchestras
Established in 1958, the BYSO serves youth from ages 6
through 19 by providing a nurturing environment in which
young musicians can learn and grow. More than 800 students
auditioned to join the orchestra’s 2013-14 season; historically,
around 500 are accepted annually. The BYSO consists of
several musical ensembles, including three full orchestras and
six chamber orchestras, as well as several training and
preparatory string and wind ensembles.Its newest group is also
its youngest: the Petit Ensemble is a small string orchestra with
only about 40 members, whose ages range from approximately
7 through 10.
4. The Boston
Youth
Symphony
Orchestras
The BYSO is the only American youth symphony program to
present a semi-staged opera every season. The 2013
production was of Verdi’s Rigoletto; in January 2014, the BYSO
will present Puccini’s Tosca. Although the opera is a one-timeonly performance, the BYSO gives more than 15 performances
of various works every season in venues throughout the
Boston area, including the New England Conservatory’s Jordan
Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall, and the Sanders Theater at
Harvard University.