Boston Philharmonic Orchestra 2024-25 Season: Strauss's Four Last Songs & Mahler Symphony No. 4 with soprano Claire Booth

The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's third concert of the 2024-25 season features versatile British soprano Claire Booth doing double duty as the soloist for both Strauss's posthumously published Four Last Songs, his last completed work, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, which launched Conductor Benjamin Zander’s conducting career 52 years ago. His encounter with Mahler led to his lifetime passion for the composer, ultimately earning him the Gustav Mahler Society of New York’s first Titan Award in 2023. The concert will also be live streamed for free on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/fRL15kKHzfE

Symphony Hall

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra 2024-25 Season: Mahler Symphony No. 6

The difficulties performing Mahler’s Symphony No. 6, "Tragic"—technical, interpretive, emotional, and even logistical—are legendary. After performing his Symphony No. 5 last season, this year’s Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra musicians will tackle Mahler’s even more emotionally challenging Sixth Symphony. The concert will also be streamed live for free at https://youtube.com/live/DLrgE9CIQ4E

Boston Philharmonic Orchestra: Mahler Symphony No. 2 with soprano Miah Persson & mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly

The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's (BPO) final concert of the 2024-25 season features the "achingly poignant” and internationally recognized mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly, who returns to the BPO stage as soloist on Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection" with Swedish soprano Miah Persson, as well as Chorus Pro Musica. The themes of life, death, and resurrection resonate deeply on Good Friday, making it a fitting finale to the BPO's season. Stream it live for free at https://youtube.com/live/MG5QyqdhdRw

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra 2024-25 Season: Debussy, Walton, Rachmaninoff

The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra's (BPYO) final concert of the 2024-25 season opens with Debussy's Prelude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Prelude to an afernoon of a faun), one of the most intricate and demanding pieces in the orchestral repertoire. Cellist Leland Ko, first prize winner of the 2023 L'orchestre symphonique de Montreal Competition and former BPYO first cellist at age 14), who is now 25, follows as the soloist on Walton's Cello Concerto, which cellist Gregor Piatigorsky commissioned and premiered in Boston. The concert concludes with Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2, which Conductor Benjamin Zander says “has deep romantic themes, overflowing with love.” Stream it live for free at https://youtube.com/live/5Bb2oVIXviU

Benjamin Zander presents: Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life

Boston Philharmonic Founder and Conductor Benjamin Zander’s Saturday morning Interpretation Classes are among the most extraordinary – and, thanks to video, most widely seen – of all the conductor’s musical activities. During these classes, which are free and open to the public (no need for a ticket), Mr. Zander guides highly accomplished young musicians who live or study in the Boston area to become more communicative in order to develop more alive interpretations of a huge range of classical masterworks. The audience at these events feels very much a part of the process of transformation that unfolds, week after week. These classes give everyone involved a window into how music can and should be performed in order to engage, stimulate and inspire the audience at the deepest level. High school and college musicians are invited to apply to be a participant by contacting <a href="mailto:info@bostonphil.org">info@bostonphil.org</a>. There is one other Interpretation Classes in 2024 on December 14. Mr. Zander’s famed communication skills and lifetime immersion in all aspects of musical performance help him to be a transformative musical coach who guides and inspires players of all instruments to a deeper understanding of what the music is actually asking of the performer and how to communicate that with the greatest intensity and authenticity to the audience. Visit the <a href="https://www.benjaminzander.org/interpretation-classes-tour/">Benjamin Zander Center</a> for a selection of past interpretation classes.

Boston Public Library Rabb Hall

Boston Philharmonic Orchestra 2024-25 Season: Purcell's Chacony, Elgar's Cello Concerto, Holst's The Planets

The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's second concert of the 2024-25 season features an all-British program, a nod to Conductor Benjamin Zander's native England and his personal connections to the composers (he studied with both Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst, Gustav Holst's daughter). For the first time ever, the Orchestra performs Benjamin Britten's exquisite realization of Purcell’s Chacony in G Minor, which pays homage to the Baroque master while infusing it with modern sensibilities. Acclaimed British cellist Alexander Baillie, who has performed with the Orchestra eight times previously over the course of 30 years, performs next on Elgar's Cello Concerto, a poignant exploration of loss and longing. The concert culminates in Holst's popular The Planets (which heavily influenced the music of John Williams) featuring the Radcliffe Choral Society, a woman’s chorus that will sound as if it is singing from the farthest reaches of the solar system. The concert will also be available live for free on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/Eb1GMBbylAI

Free Masterclass with Cellist Alexander Baillie sponsored by the Boston Philharmonic

Join internationally-recognized British cellist Alexander Baillie at a free masterclass sponsored by the Boston Philharmonic, featuring performances by up and coming Boston-area cellists. The class is being held in conjunction with Baillie's performance on the Elgar Cello Concerto at the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's all-British concert program on Sunday, November 17, at 3 PM at Symphony Hall under the baton of Benjamin Zander (The other works on the program include Benjamin Britten's arrangement of Purcell's Chacony in G Minor and Gustav Holst's "The Planets.") Baillie first performed with the Boston Philharmonic in 1993; this is his eighth appearance with the Orchestra. He is recognized as one of the finest cellists of his generation. Some of his career highlights include performing the Elgar Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra under Andrew Litton, the Schumann Concerto with the BBC Symphony under Marek Janowski at the Proms, the Walton Concerto under the late Sir Alexander Gibson with the Royal Philharmonic, and the Dvorak Concerto with the City of Birmingham Symphony under Sir Simon Rattle. His recordings of the Britten Cello Suites and the Sonata achieved the highest acclaim in The New York Times: "Many other cellists have made a strong claim on this repertory [Britten's Suites for Cello]. Perhaps the most successful is Alexander Baillie."

First Church in Cambridge

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra 2024-25 Opening Concert: Verdi, Dvorak, Stravinsky

The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra's 2024-25 season fittingly kicks off with a program appealing to people age 12 and older, with some of the most popular music ever written. It opens with the overture to Verdi's La Forza Del Destino, which is as bracing, dynamic and full of unexpected developments as the opera that follows. Next is Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, “For a New World”—his tribute to America—which reflects his visits to the American Heartland, his love of American spirituals, and his homesickness for his beloved Bohemia. It concludes with Stravinsky's revolutionary Rite of Spring, a landmark work that challenges and captivates, reflecting the raw power of nature and human emotion. The concert will also be streamed live for free at https://youtube.com/live/B9WIUBpU5ks

Boston Philharmonic Orchestra 46th Opening Concert: Brahms Violin Concerto & Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra

The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's 46th season opens triumphantly with Beethoven's Egmont Overture followed by Brahms's only violin concerto, featuring former Berlin Philharmonic concertmaster Guy Braunstein (He also opened last year's season with his memorable rendition of Elgar's Violin Concerto followed by an encore featuring his interpretation of The Beatles' "Blackbird," inspired by the protests surrounding the death of George Floyd.) The concert concludes with Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra, a brilliant orchestral showcase commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Serge Koussevitzky, who would have been 150 this year. The concert can also be live streamed for free at <a href="https://youtube.com/live/IHmFULMa4Ww">https://youtube.com/live/IHmFULMa4Ww</a> The opening concert of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's 2024-25 season, continues its tradition of presenting thrilling performances of orchestral masterpieces and bringing exciting soloists to Boston audiences. &nbsp;

Free Masterclass with Violinist Guy Braunstein sponsored by the Boston Philharmonic

Join world-renowned violinist Guy Braunstein, the former concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, at a free masterclass sponsored by the Boston Philharmonic, featuring performances by up and coming Boston-area violinists. The class is being held in conjunction with Braunstein's performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto at the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's 2024-25 opening concert on Sunday, October 20, at 3 PM in Symphony Hall under the baton of Benjamin Zander (the other works on the program include Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra). As a teenager, Braunstein pursued his musical education under the supervision of Isaac Stern, continuing his studies in the US with Glenn Dicterow and Pinchas Zuckerman. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia of London, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Copenhagen Radio Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony. He has collaborated with some of the world's top conductors and soloists, including Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Sir Simon Rattle, Christoph von Dohnányi, and many others. In the last decade, Guy Braunstein has worked with many great orchestras as a conductor, including the Radio Symphony of Berlin, the Helsinki Philharmonic, the Israel Philharmonic, the Rotterdam Philharmonic. He has performed in recital with many partners, such as Yefim Bronfman, Daniel Barenboim, and Martha Argereich.

Boston Philharmonic Founder and Conductor Benjamin Zander’s Saturday morning Interpretation Classes are among the most extraordinary – and, thanks to video, most widely seen – of all the conductor’s musical activities.&nbsp;During these classes, which are free and open to the public (no need for a ticket), Mr. Zander guides highly accomplished young musicians&nbsp;who live or study in the Boston area to become more communicative in order to develop more alive interpretations of a huge range of classical masterworks. The audience at these events feels very much a part of the process of transformation that unfolds, week after week. These classes give everyone involved a window into how music can and should be performed in order to engage, stimulate and inspire the audience at the deepest level. High school and college musicians are invited to apply to be a participant by contacting <a href="mailto:info@bostonphil.org" target="_blank">info@bostonphil.org</a>. There are two other Interpretation Classes in 2024: November 23 and December 14. Mr. Zander’s famed communication skills and lifetime immersion in all aspects of musical performance help him to be a transformative musical coach who guides and inspires players of all instruments to a deeper understanding of what the music is actually asking of the performer and how to communicate that with the greatest intensity and authenticity to the audience. Visit the <a href="https://www.benjaminzander.org/interpretation-classes-tour/" target="_blank">Benjamin Zander Center</a> for a selection of past interpretation classes. &nbsp;

World premiere of JIMMY TINGLE: THE “RADICAL” MIDDLE—WHY WOULD A COMEDIAN RUN FOR OFFICE

Nationally recognized comedian, commentator, producer, and activist Jimmy Tingle’s new documentary, Jimmy Tingle: THE “RADICAL” MIDDLE—WHY WOULD A COMEDIAN RUN FOR OFFICE? will have its world premiere at the Regent Theatre followed by a seriously funny talk-back with Tingle (doors open at 5:00). The event is the kickoff for Tingle’s “Humor for Humanity Whistle Stop Tour” featuring screenings and talk-backs across New England, inspired by this year’s presidential election. The original and autobiographical 50-minute film features a compilation of Tingle’s stand-up performances, clips from his debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” his “60-Minutes II” commentary on Donald Trump in 2000, and at-home interviews. The film chronicles his fascinating transition from seasoned comedian to serious politician after receiving a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government (where he was his class’s commencement speaker). For his first—and so far, only—foray into politics, he ran a grassroots campaign for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, where he earned an impressive 41.1% of the vote in the 2018 Democratic primary. Although he isn’t running for office this election year, he aspires to contribute to the national dialogue in a hopeful, positive—and funny—way with his film. Through the healing power of humor, commentary, and conversation Tingle aims to challenge audiences to move beyond the politics of tweets, sound bites, and the 24/7 news cycle and into the realm of long-term thinking and life-affirming possibility as the United States faces the election of 2024 with a myriad of emotions, passions and theories.&nbsp; Comic friends Steven Wright and Paula Poundstone—both Boston natives—are big fans of the film, as is author and former Boston Globe columnist James Carroll. “Government matters! That’s why a comedian runs for office,” says&nbsp;Carroll. “Jimmy Tingle, with humor and cracking wit, uses common sense to protect the common good from those who would tear down its essential political structures. No joke. This is Tingle at his best.” To date, additional shows on Tingle’s “Humor for Humanity Whistle Stop Tour” include: September 26: Chatham Orpheum Theater, Chatham, MA (<a href="https://app.formovietickets.com/title" target="_blank">tickets</a>) September 27: Shea Theater Arts Center, Turner Falls, MA October 4: MV Film Society, Martha’s Vineyard, MA (<a href="https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=251594" target="_blank">tickets</a>) October 19: The Park Theatre, Jaffrey, NH November 14: Dreamland Film, Theatre &amp; Cultural Center, Nantucket, MA

Regent Theatre

Woods Hole Film Festival 2024

The 33rd Woods Hole Film Festival kicks off on Friday, July 26 and runs through Saturday, August 3. Festival-goers have the opportunity to see as many feature length and short films as time allows during the 8-day festival! Besides film screenings, there are Q&amp;As with filmmakers, panel discussions, workshops, parties featuring some of the best musical acts from Cape Cod, and master classes, including one with Filmmaker-In-Residence Doug Blush, award-winning director, producer, editor, writer and cinematographer and Oscar winner for such documentaries as 20 Feet from Stardom, The Elephant Whisperers, and Period. End Of Sentence (he also executive produced three of this year’s festival entries, Champions of the Golden Valley, First We Bombed New Mexico and Counted Out). If after eight days you aren’t able to watch all the films you were interested in seeing, or if you can’t make it to the festival in-person, never fear: many films will also be available for streaming on the Festival’s virtual platform immediately following the in-person screenings from Sunday, August 4 through Sunday, August 11! As the longest-running film festival on the Cape and Islands and one of the oldest in New England, the Woods Hole Film Festival was an early leader in promoting the films and careers of emerging, independent filmmakers, especially those with ties to New England, and specifically Cape Cod and the Islands—a mission that continues to this day. The Festival’s nearly 1000 submissions were narrowed down to a thought-provoking program of 47 feature-length and 73 short dramas, comedies, documentaries, and animation from 19 countries—with 6 World, 2 US, and 59 New England premieres—by both first-time and veteran filmmakers. Films subjects range from such topics as family and love to mystery and the supernatural—with everything in-between. The festival’s hallmark thematic strands include films about music and musicians, films about science in conjunction with the Festival’s “Bringing Science to the Screen” program, and films about social and political activism and films with New England connections. The Festival’s intimate environment and seaside setting provide audience members and filmmakers from around the world the opportunity to watch films together and to engage face to face in thought-provoking and meaningful conversations during the post-film Q&amp;As, as well as on the street—you never know who you might bump into!

Redfield Auditorium

Join Boston Philharmonic founder and conductor Benjamin Zander at his world-renowned, free music interpretation classes, “Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life,” on select Saturdays at the Boston Public Library's Rabb Lecture Hall. High school and college musicians are invited to apply to be a participant by contacting <a href="mailto:info@bostonphil.org">info@bostonphil.org</a>.   In each class Zander employs his legendary communication skills and his lifetime experience in all aspects of musical performance to coach, inspire, and transform several highly accomplished young musicians who live or study in the Boston area. During each session Zander guides each musician, helping to create a deeper understanding of what the music is asking of the performer and how to communicate it with the greatest intensity and authenticity to the audience. The classes, which feature a range of classical masterworks and usually anywhere from two to four musicians—playing any instrument, including classical guitar--provide a window into how music can and should be performed in order to engage, stimulate, and inspire the audience at the deepest level.   Other than choosing the musical work in advance, each lesson is completely spontaneous, often inspiring surprising, new insights. More information and recordings of previous classes are available on <a href="https://www.benjaminzander.org/interpretation-classes-tour/">Benjamin Zander Center’s web site</a>.

Boston Public Library's Rabb Lecture Hall

Math Jubilee

Diamonds, triangles and squares, oh my! On Sunday, May 5, from 11 AM-3 PM in Framingham Center Common and Village Hall, children and their families can experience the wonders and joys of mathematics at "Math Jubilee," featuring unique, mathematically-inspired games and puzzles, such as Pin the Mustache on Albert Einstein, Bean Bag Addition, Euler Mazes, and Magic Potion Formulation, as well as mesmerizing mathematical illusions performed by a "Math Magician."&nbsp;Children can even learn how to do Math Zumba, a fun dance routine that teaches the order of arithmetic operations. This free event is devoted to having fun with math in an effort to not only build an engineering and science mind, but also a mind that can find creative solutions to complex problems, such as health and climate issues. It's hosted by RSM-Metrowest on their 20th anniversary, as a gift to the people of Framingham.

Framingham Common & Village Hall

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.