Boston Symphony Orchestra Fosters Connections Within Community

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of IBA Boston (Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción), is speaking out about the focus of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) following a Boston Globe article that explained what led to the dismissal of the BSO's music director Andris Nelsons.

In a letter to the editor on Wednesday, April 1, Calderón-Rosado said she supported and endorsed the BSO's inclusive representation and cultural exchange as a meaningful path forward for the organization.

“Recent BSO performances and the diversity introduced into this season through the “E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One” program tell us a lot about the organization's vision,” she wrote.

Calderón-Rosado commented that the BSO has expanded inclusivity by giving complimentary tickets to community groups like Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción and Villa Victoria residents, opening Symphony Hall to new audiences. She believes this effort aligns with a broader goal of BSO chief executive Chad Smith and board chair Barbara Hostetter to elevate diverse voices and celebrate the tapestry of American music. 

Calderón-Rosado also pointed to the work that Smith and Hostetter took to bring the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra) to Boston in November 2025.

“Music has always been part of the fabric of our city; however, it hasn't always been accessible to all communities,” she stated. “If people see themselves represented in an orchestra, it can create a deeper connection to the institution and the music.”