Voices Boston Stepping up for Young People

VOICES Boston launched 31 years ago when the Brookline School System reduced funding for its music education programs. That perfectly illustrates the power of nonprofits and volunteerism, when a large system – any large system – struggles to serve residents step in to fill the void. This week’s guest of “BrooklineHub In-Depth,” VOICES Boston executive director Kathryn DiMaria talks about the organization’s mission and even its progress during the pandemic. The program includes a great performance from one of VOICES Boston middle school groups, recorded recently live at the Lars Anderson by ADW Video Productions.

VOICES Boston serves young people in the local area, including in Brookline and Boston starting from the age of 5. This past year in collaboration with White Snake Opera, the organization actually put on a virtual opera “Alice During the Pandemic”. They also produced two virtual musicals. As Kathryn DiMaria puts it, “we were building the ship while we were flying it.”

The mission of VOICES Boston is one of inclusivity. They are dedicated to providing children and young people – regardless of their musical and socio-economic background – with the opportunity to participate in creating excellent, inspired music and artistry and to experience the joy of sharing this with audiences worldwide.

Daniel P. Ryan serves as conductor, composer, and music educator for VOICES Boston. Ryan has conducted and worked with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston Opera Collaborative, Sine Nomine Choral Ensemble, MetroWest Opera, In Good Company Theatre, The Boston Opera Collaborative, Berkshire Choral International, MITG, The Boston Conservatory, MassOpera, Clark University Choirs, and White Snake Productions.

The interview with Kathryn DiMaria of VOICES Boston and the “Live in the Park at Lars Anderson Concert” premieres on BrooklineHub In-Depth YouTube channel on Monday, August 9.

“BrooklineHub In-Depth” is produced by BrooklineHub.com publisher, R. Harvey Bravman and Danielle Myers, a producer from Bravman’s for-profit company, ADW Video Productions.

“BrooklineHub In-Depth” can be seen on all Brookline Interactive Group cable channels and on the BrooklineHub In-Depth YouTube channel.

BrooklineHub.com is a 501C3 non-profit dedicated to reporting and commenting on life, culture, and community in Brookline. As part of our mission, we advocate for non-profits vital in making this a better place to live, and by sponsoring and supporting events that promote community-building. We hold the belief that as a community, we should foster the well-being of all, remaining mindful of our young people, seniors, and the underprivileged.