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BSO Resident Fellowship Program

The Susan W. and Stephen D. Paine BSO Resident Fellowship is an employment-based fellowship that provides an unparalleled opportunity for up to two early-career symphonic musicians from underrepresented or minoritized communities, whose populations have historically faced significant barriers when it comes to accessing the classical music world. This paid fellowship focuses on career development and immersive orchestra mentorship through a one-year appointment as a musician in the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Program Overview

  • Performance with the orchestra during 20 weeks of the Symphony, Pops, and Tanglewood seasons.
  • Participate in chamber music.
  • Tour with the BSO, if applicable.
  • Compensation and other benefits include:
    • Weekly Salary.
    • Fellowship stipend to cover additional living/housing expenses.
    • Stipend for audition travel.
    • Life, health, dental, and disability coverage.
    • Stipend for private lessons.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Early-career symphony musicians from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in symphonic orchestras.

  • Must be eligible for employment in the United States.

  • Instrumental area: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass.

Application Requirements

  • Biographical information
  • Resume with performance history
  • Short essay responses (written or video)
  • Pre-screening audition excerpts (audio or audio-video)

Live Auditions

Candidates whose applications are selected will be invited to attend the live audition at Symphony Hall in Boston, MA. Audition travel and lodging accommodations will be arranged by the BSO for invited candidates.

  • Not currently accepting applications. Details regarding the next application cycle will be posted in Fall 2025.

2024-25 BSO Resident Fellows

"By creating more opportunities for musicians whose backgrounds reflect the beautiful diversity of our city and country and valuing their contributions to our world of classical music, we enrich the lives of everyone associated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.”

Andris Nelsons
BSO Fellow Andres Vela performing with the BSO
2022-2024 BSO Fellow Andres Vela, bass, performing with the BSO

Past Fellows

2022-2024
Leonardo Vásquez Chacón, viola
Andres Vela, bass

The Susan W. and Stephen D. Paine BSO Resident Fellowship Program is made possible by the following generous endowed fund supporters:

Bob and Happy Doran
Barbara and Amos Hostetter
Nancy and Richard Lubin
Kyra and Jean Montagu
Mr. and Mrs. W. Nicholas Thorndike
Anonymous (2)

Annual support for The Susan W. and Stephen D. Paine BSO Resident Fellowship Program has been generously provided by:

Terry B. Eastman
Rabbi Rex Perlmeter and Rabbi Rachel Hertzman
Karen and Kert Sabbath

The Volpe Family Chair is made possible by the generous support of:

The following list recognizes the generosity of donors who have given $25,000 or more to the Volpe Family Chair

Lorraine Bressler and Karen S. Bressler in memory of BSO Trustee Alan Bressler
Catherine and Paul Buttenwieser
Cynthia and Oliver Curme
Berry Drew Family Foundation
Nathan and Marilyn Hayward
Barbara and Amos Hostetter
Charlie and Dorothy Jenkins/The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation
Joyce Linde
Nancy and Richard Lubin
Josh and Jessica Lutzker
The Messinger Family
The O'Block Family
Plimpton Shattuck Fund
Linda and Daniel Waintrup

The BSO is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information please email residentfellowship@bso.org.