Alumni Launch Boston Festival Orchestra to Expand Access to Classical Music

Alumni Alyssa Wang ’19 MM and Nicholas Brown ’19 MM are reimagining what an orchestra can be. Just months after graduating, the violinist-conductor and clarinetist-administrator cofounded the Boston Festival Orchestra (BFO), an ensemble with a mission to make classical music experiences more inclusive and accessible.

Now in its fifth season, BFO offers full-orchestra concerts in the summer and a year-round chamber music series. Their educational initiative, BFO MusicReach, brings family-friendly programming to communities across Greater Boston.

Wang, originally from Danville, CA, serves as Artistic Director and conductor. Brown, a Portland, ME native, is Executive Director and principal clarinetist. Both continue to freelance alongside managing the ensemble. BFO rehearses in venues across the city and has built a loyal following through grassroots outreach and innovative programming. The duo credits their successful partnership and shared NEC experiences for fueling their work. 

Amazing work!