Boise Philharmonic brings world-class performance to Boise
Violin maker Adolph Ballot would surely be delighted that the fledgling orchestra he founded in 1890 to establish a music community in Boise was thriving 150 years later in Idaho’s modern capital city. What began with a small band of frontier musicians, known as the Boise Philharmonic Society, has become a premier professional orchestra with over 75 members, that was officially incorporated as the Boise Philharmonic in 1960. This year marks its 65th full season, and with that celebratory milestone also comes Boise Phil’s recent naming as Cultural Ambassador for the City of Boise, an honor bestowed by the city through the Boise City Department of Arts and History. The appointment runs through fiscal years 2026-2027 as of October 1, 2025, during which time the symphony orchestra will act as Boise’s honorary representative in sharing the city’s cultural roots and elevating and expanding its impact to local, national and international audiences through the arts, education, and cultural exchange.
The 2026 season also celebrates in conjunction with America250, the official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, by beginning each classical symphony concert with a piece by an American composer. “Under the 250 banner is an opportunity to celebrate who Boise Phil is, our roots, and those of our musicians, each with different backgrounds, collaborating to create music for everyone to enjoy,” said Timothy O’Donnell, Boise Phil’s director of marketing and communication.
Entertainment for the Whole Family
The Boise Philharmonic performs for over 30,000 people annually in concerts at the Morrison Center, NNU’s Brandt Center in Nampa, schools around the state, and smaller recital halls and venues. Each season brings a diverse lineup of performances featuring guest artists from across the country and the world who join with local musicians in presenting exceptional music that intersects borders, cultures, and traditions. The season encompasses Masterworks concerts, along with a variety of “Pops” concerts, a chamber music series, and other symphonic events, all reflecting the vibrancy and cultural diversity of our community by partnering with and highlighting local organizations and businesses.
“This Cultural Ambassador recognition expands opportunities to perform to audiences we typically wouldn’t be able to,” explained O’Donnell. “We are focused on providing more family and community concerts with an affordable point of entry, enabling those from all walks of life to enjoy what Boise Phil does.”
Boise Phil’s Community Engagement Program, Phil the Hall, provides discounted or free access to performances to nonprofit organizations throughout Southern Idaho, with a chance to spotlight their organization to a full house at symphonic performances. Said O’Donnell, “We are also expanding our reach to individuals and organizations who might not have the opportunity to formally attend our performances and offer to them discounted or complimentary tickets. Our mission is to convey that music is for everyone and always will be.”
Thousands of students across the Treasure Valley have been provided musical education and opportunity through Boise Phil’s education and outreach programs. Initiatives like the school concerts and the Boise Phil Youth Orchestra, in addition to performances at local libraries, have continued to engage and inspire the next generation of music lovers. Under the Boise Phil umbrella is the Boise Phil Symphony, the Boise Phil Master Chorale (BPMC), and the Boise Phil Youth Orchestra. BPMC has close to 80 members, and this year celebrates their 50th anniversary season. They will perform Handel’s Messiah with the symphony, a formal tradition every year since 1916. This year’s performance will be at Cathedral of the Rockies and annually sells out.