Boston Philharmonic Conductor Benjamin Zander Resumes Free Music Interpretation Classes

BOSTON, MA—After nearly a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Boston Philharmonic founder and conductor Benjamin Zander resumes his world-renowned, free music interpretation classes, “Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life,” one Saturday per month through May, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, mainly at the Boston Public Library Central Branch’s Rabb Hall (700 Boylston Street). Classes are scheduled for October 22, November 5 (location TBD), December 10, January 21, February 4, March 25, April 22, and May 13.

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 Benjamin Zander Center’s web site.

“My classes are an exploration, rather than a master class,” says Zander. “We need to be able to communicate the feelings about life that are portrayed in music because music is not separate from life—it is life itself. Music helps us express our humanity.”

Classes are free and open to the public; advance tickets are not required. For more information, visit the class web page on the Boston Philharmonic web site. High school and college musicians are also invited to apply to be a participant by contacting info@bostonphil.org.