Me2/Orchestra Launches New Ensemble in Boston
Posted Monday September 29 2014 at 9:33 pm.
Used tags: boston, inclusive, music
Me2/Orchestra is the world’s only classical music ensemble created for individuals with mental illnesses and people who support them. The orchestra was launched in Burlington, Vermont in 2011 and now, in its fourth season, the organization has expanded its reach with the launch of a new orchestra serving the greater Boston area.
"Me2/Orchestra–Boston" held its first rehearsal September 22, 2014 and will continue to rehearse weekly on Mondays from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Hope Central Church, 85 Seaverns Ave, in Jamaica Plain, MA. Participation is free and there is no audition required. Musicians ages 13 and older are encouraged to join now. New members will be accepted continuously during the coming weeks. Interested musicians can join the orchestra simply by emailing Me2/ at Me2orchestra@gmail.com or calling 802-238-8369.
The Boston-based branch of Me2/Orchestra shares the mission of the greater organization, which is to provide exhilarating performances that encourage conversations about mental health and erase the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. It is not necessary to have a mental illness in order to join the orchestra. While many musicians participate because they appreciate the opportunity to make music with a social mission, others may have a diagnosis such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety. The orchestra welcomes everyone, including patients, family members, friends, physicians, counselors, people recovering from addiction, and caregivers. Me2/Orchestra–Boston is a multi-generational, inclusive group.
Ronald Braunstein is the Music Director and Conductor of Me2/Orchestra. Braunstein was awarded the Gold Medal in the Herbert von Karajan International Conducting Competition in 1979 and has conducted orchestras worldwide, including the Berlin Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Oslo Philharmonic, and Tokyo Symphony. Braunstein was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1985. He founded Me2/Orchestra because of his desire to support others who wish to maintain good mental health. His wife, Caroline Whiddon, launched the organization with him and serves as Me2/'s Executive Director.
For additional information, please visit Me2/Orchestra online at www.Me2orchestra.org.
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