By Maureen Bastardi

Since September of 2014, older adults in Somerville have been able to attend various Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) events for free. This is made possible through a wonderful program the BSO sponsors called “Symphony for Our City.”

This program strives to build deeper relationships with representatives from various organizations across the greater Boston area, bringing together individuals of various backgrounds, and informing the BSO’s work through reciprocal relationships.

Each year, organizations can apply to become a part of this valuable community program. Each year, the BSO chooses up to ten community-based organizations to participate. These partners are then engaged deeply with the BSO throughout the season.

In Somerville’s case, the Council on Aging was chosen to participate because of its already great collaboration with Teen Empowerment. As a result, older adults and teens have attended a total of seven BSO concerts together – including two all-day trips to Tanglewood – for little or no cost.

The next free BSO-sponsored event is a Chamber Concert on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. at Chevalier Theatre in Medford. Chamber Concerts like this one bring high-quality, relevant and engaging free concerts performed by BSO musicians in the Greater Boston area communities limited in access to the BSO by distance or economics.

As a Symphony for Our City partner, the Council on Aging has a limited number of tickets to this event. If you are interested, or would like more information about this and other Symphony for Our City programs at the Somerville Council on Aging, contact Janine Lotti at (617) 625-6600, ext. 2300.