Elgar: Serenade for Strings (Benjamin Zander - Interpretation Class)

For more classes like this one, please visit the Benjamin Zander Center - https://www.benjaminzander.org/

Students from the Boston String Academy

Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life
with Benjamin Zander

Dave Jamrog Audio/Video


Boston String Academy (BSA) is a non-profit organization inspired by El Sistema – a very successful music education philosophy that utilizes music as a vehicle for social change – El Sistema originated in Venezuela over 40 years ago and has inspired thousands of educators around the world. We are passionate about introducing children at an early age to music, promoting a love for and engagement in music making. Our mission:

To provide a vibrant after school string program for inner-city young students, offering high quality string instrument instruction, using standards that will give them the necessary skills to build a strong foundation in their musical growth.
To offer many performance opportunities, master classes, lessons and ensemble settings, which will enable students to build self-confidence, discipline, commitment, social skills, and other fundamental values essential to every child’s development.
To forge social integration through music by creating a path for young people to become sensitive, responsible and creative human beings.

BSA was founded in November, 2012 by Marielisa and Mariesther Alvarez, and Taide Prieto-Carpio. They are graduates of the Boston Conservatory, and of El Sistema programs in their home countries of Venezuela and Peru, and have modeled BSA on that experience. BSA currently offers three programs in the Chinatown, Allston and Roxbury neighborhoods, serving more than 100 students.

As part of the efforts to expose the students to the highest level of musical expression, BSA provides them with opportunities to perform and work with internationally acclaimed artists including Rictor Noren, Lynn Chang, David Ying, Martin Chalifour, Edicson Ruiz, Midori Goto, and world renowned conductors Gustavo Dudamel and Sir Simon Rattle.

In partnership with Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Longy School of Music of Bard College, BSA counts with the support of graduate student teaching assistants from these institutions.

BSA’s current funders include the Boston Philharmonic, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Harvard Allston Partnership Fund, Boston Cultural Council, D´Addario Foundation, and the Johnson String Project.