Boston Classical Orchestra

The Boston Classical Orchestra is a hidden gem in Boston.
They have 5 concerts a season, taking place inside Faneuil Hall. There isn’t a bad seat in the small auditorium, and if you arrive early, there is often a pre-​concert speaker that explains the history behind the music.
The musicians are extremely talented, and some play in other orchestras in town as well.
When Baritone Philip Lima accompanied the group in April, he was jaw droppingly good. The acoustics of the hall helped project his powerful voice, so that you felt he was singing directly to you, no matter where you sat in the audience.
I recommend attending a BSO concert.
If tickets are out of your price range, they often have volunteer ushers through Boston Cares, and ushers get to stay to hear the show.

I love the BCO because it’s intimately small,
yet loses none of the high energy of a larger orchestra.
All performances are conveniently held
on the second floor of Faneuil Hall.
Patrons are close enough to catch the expressions
on every musicians face, emoting each note.
(Only the front rows can see them at Boston Symphony Hall.)
Tickets can cost $ 50+, so, if you love classical music,
Season Tickets are the way to go. Bring a friend,
which was exactly how I was introduced to the BCO!
THE DEAL: If it’s Spring or Fall, bring a sweater.
The AC in the hall can be shiver inducing.

OK — this is the best acoustic music experience in Boston. Where else can you hear a concert in one of the classiest, most historical places in town — the Great Hall at Faneuil Hall? Stuffy? Forget it! It’s at ground zero for the biggest buzz in the city — the Fan’l Hall /​Quincy Marketplace. The acoustics are phenomenal from every seat in the house — just get there in time so you’re not stuck in one of the few obstructed view seats behind a column. You can sit in the balcony for a birds eye view, where the sounds blend but punch like a cosmo. Or sit on the floor level, close enough to look into the musicians’ eyes. The paintings and other historical details will make you think you’re back in the mid 1700’s, when the hall was first built, and when most of the music played by these amazing musicians was written. There’s even a pre-​concert pep talk so you know what to listen for during the concert. Afterward, you can even go up and speak with the musicians as they pack up and wind down, even as they’re catching their breath after their climactic cadenzas and fabulous finales. They’re real people! Who knew?!? For the price of a few ephemeral drinks, you can have an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more. A great place for a date — regardless of whose idea it is. For an even better price — as in $ 0.00 — you can volunteer as an usher, and be part of the action. It’s on the T at State or Haymarket, so you can carry on in the Marketplace after the concerts on a Saturday night or Sunday afternoon with complete abandon. If you haven’t checked these guys out, you need to. If you have already, then you know exactly what I’m talking about! Peace.

The Boston Classical Orchestra has a new fan. I’ve always been intrigued by classical music, but never had a great deal of exposure to it. I decided to volunteer with the BCO, where I had the opportunity to hear amazing musicians and learn the history behind some of the featured compositions. Whether you’re a lover of classical music or not, you can’t help but appreciate the sounds that come from Faneuil Hall when this orchestra plays.
Reserved tickets are over $ 50, but they put you right next to the musicians if you must be part of the «action.» As for sound quality, any seat in the house is a good one — so long as the high school marching bands aren’t playing in front of Quincy Market, which they were during the classical lecture that took place an hour before show time.
All performances are held on the second floor of Faneuil Hall. Just be sure you bring a coat or sweater. When the AC is working in the hall you’d probably find more warmth in a butcher’s freezer.